I first came up with the idea of meatball boats while having a sub. I thought I love meatball subs but a boat effect would be more appealing and make a better presentation. I learned that I was not the first to come up with this idea. But when I gave it a try, it certainly worked. I tasted and presented great as well.
After that, meatball sub boats became one of my favourite Friday night treats and a real hit with my family and friend.

Cheesy Meatball Boat Recipe
Description
Meatball sub boats are made from homemade meatballs, served on a carved out bun bushed with garlic butter and loaded with cheese. They are then placed in the oven and served. The outcome is out of this world.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Add the ground beef to a bowl followed by the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, parsley, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
-
Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop up some of the mixture into the palm of your hand. Roll and form it into a ball. Set it aside and repeat the process for the remaining mixture.
The mixture should give you about 9 meat balls depending on the size. -
Add the meatballs to a pan over medium high heat and fry on all sides until browned. This should take 5 minutes or so.
-
Add in the marinara sauce, bring to a boil, place a lid on, and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes or longer.
-
In the mean time, using a sharp knife, cut a large rectangle into the centre of the spaccaltelli buns and push it down until a boat or well forms.
-
Add the melted butter to a bowl and mix in the minced garlic. Using a brush, apply a good application over the top, sides, and inside of each bun.
-
Place a piece of the Swiss cheese into the well and press it down.
-
After the meatballs have finished simmering, place three balls into the boat or well and spread a generous layer of sauce over the top. Sprinkle another generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Place in a 375 degree F or 190 C preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are heated through.
-
Serve and enjoy your cheesy meatball sub boats.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 750kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28.5g44%
- Saturated Fat 11.5g58%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 1401mg59%
- Total Carbohydrate 90.5g31%
- Dietary Fiber 5.6g23%
- Sugars 3.8g
- Protein 16.5g33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional values are a within reason estimate and my vary depending on several factors.
Note
The ingredients in the meatballs are my preference and can be altered to your taste. I use spaccatelli buns in the recipe, but you can use the buns of your choice. My preferred cheeses are mozzarella and Swiss, but you can alter these as well.