TREMENDOUS CREAMY MEATBALL BOATS

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Indulge in these delectable meatball boats, perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty appetizer. Each bread boat is filled with tender meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. Ideal for sharing or serving at gatherings, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

  • Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Creamy Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Additional Ingredients:
  • 4 small baguettes or sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned.
  1. Make the Creamy Sauce:
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream and continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
  • Add 1/2 cup of grated cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Assemble the Boats:
  • Slice the top of each baguette or sub roll and hollow out the center to create space for the filling.
  • Spoon a layer of creamy sauce into each bread boat, add 3-4 meatballs, and top with more creamy sauce.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone on top.
  1. Bake the Boats:
  • Place the assembled boats on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  1. Garnish and Serve:
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy these tremendous creamy meatball boats as a main course or a fun party snack!

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