Craving a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal? These Creamy Meatball Boats are the ultimate comfort food—crispy bread filled with juicy meatballs and topped with a luxurious, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser!
⭐ Quick, Easy, & Budget-Friendly Recipe!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make in advance and reheat easily!
✔️ High-Protein & Filling – Great for a satisfying dinner or lunch.
✔️ Budget-Friendly Ingredients – No expensive or hard-to-find items!
✔️ Low-Carb Option – Serve with keto-friendly bread or lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- ✅ 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- ✅ 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or keto-friendly alternative)
- ✅ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ✅ 1 large egg
- ✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ✅ 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ✅ 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- ✅ Salt & pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- ✅ 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
- ✅ 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ✅ 1 cup heavy cream
- ✅ 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- ✅ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ✅ 1/2 tsp dried basil
- ✅ Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving:
- ✅ 4 small baguettes or dinner rolls (hollowed out to create boats)
- ✅ Optional: Mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3️⃣ Form into 12-15 meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4️⃣ Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
🥘 Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Then, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3️⃣ Pour in heavy cream, broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
4️⃣ Add dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
🍞 Step 3: Assemble the Meatball Boats
1️⃣ Slice the baguettes or dinner rolls in half lengthwise and hollow them out.
2️⃣ Place the hollowed-out bread on a baking sheet.
3️⃣ Arrange the baked meatballs inside each bread boat.
4️⃣ Generously spoon the creamy sauce over the meatballs.
5️⃣ Optional: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for the Best Meatball Boats
✅ Use fresh herbs for extra flavor.
✅ For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
✅ Make it healthier by using whole wheat bread or low-carb alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I Make These Meatballs in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Cook meatballs at 375°F for 10-12 minutes in an air fryer for a crispy texture.
❓ Can I Store & Reheat These?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
❓ Can I Use a Different Meat?
Yes! Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives.
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