Meatball Boats 🍝🥖🧀✨
Homemade meatballs are a right of passage in an Italian family. This recipe is a shortcut version made in the slow cooker—easy, hearty, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve them in bread boats for a fun twist that feeds the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 4–6 hoagie rolls or baguettes
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions 👩🍳
- Make meatballs: Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape into small balls.
- Slow cook: Place meatballs in slow cooker. Pour marinara sauce over them. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until tender.
- Prepare boats: Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise, hollow out slightly to make room for filling.
- Assemble: Place meatballs and sauce inside bread boats. Top with mozzarella.
- Broil: Place under broiler for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley. Enjoy hot.
Tips
- Extra flavor: Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meatball mix.
- Make ahead: Meatballs can be frozen and reheated later.
- Serving idea: Pair with a crisp salad or roasted veggies.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (slow cooker)
- Kcal: ~400 per serving
Caption & Engagement
Caption: “Meatball Boats—slow-cooked comfort with cheesy bread boats 🍝🥖🧀✨”
- Comment prompt: “Would you add extra cheese or keep it classic?”
- Rotating closers: “Save for your next family dinner.” • “Tag a friend who loves Italian food.” • “Tender meatballs, melty cheese, crusty bread.”