Meatball Boats

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley + 2 tablespoons, chopped, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Vegetable oil
• 4 soft rolls
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup parsley, 3 cloves garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape the ground beef mixture into golf ball-size balls.
2. Heat a cast iron pan or skillet with oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Transfer meatballs to a plate then remove pan from heat.
4. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
5. Place the soft rolls in a baking sheet. Cut the top of the rolls with a knife and press the inside down to create a boat.
6. Mix together the melted butter, 3 cloves garlic and 2 tablespoons parsley.
7. Brush the rolls with the garlic butter. Bake for 5 minutes, or until toasted.
8. Place two slices of mozzarella in the rolls. Place a spoonful of marinara on top of the cheese.
9. Place three meatballs in the boat and top with more marinara.
10. Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
11. Top with Parmesan cheese.