Scrumptious Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe: Comfort on a Plate

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering meatball sub casserole that combines hearty Italian flavors in one delectable dish.

Layers of savory meatballs, melted cheese, and crusty bread create a satisfying meal that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Soft, golden bread soaks up rich marinara sauce while perfectly seasoned meatballs nestle between cheesy goodness.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and robust flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen.

The recipe transforms classic sandwich elements into a crowd-pleasing casserole that feeds hungry appetites with minimal effort.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this dish a weeknight dinner champion that everyone will devour with enthusiasm.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to become the culinary hero of your household.

Meatball Sub Casserole: Layered Goodness Revealed

• Whip up this meatball sub casserole in no time, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combines the beloved flavors of meatball subs and casserole, creating a hearty dish that will make everyone at the table happy and satisfied.
• Great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different occasions and always gets rave reviews.
• Uses just one baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze for home cooks looking to simplify their cooking routine.

Ingredients For Meatball Sub Casserole Night

• Meatballs: Hearty protein that provides the classic Italian flavor and main substance of the casserole.

• Bread Slices: Provides a sturdy foundation that absorbs flavors and creates a delicious base for the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, stretchy texture to the dish.

• Spaghetti Sauce: Adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the casserole.
• Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy base that helps bind the ingredients together.

• Seasonings: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole with additional taste dimensions.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to prevent excessive browning during the baking process if needed.

Kitchen Tools For Meaty Layers

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese Grater: Handy for shredding mozzarella if not using pre-shredded cheese.
• Spatula: Great for spreading cream cheese mixture evenly over bread.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing and serving the casserole.
• Aluminum Foil: Optional for covering if the top browns too quickly.

Building A Cheesy Meatball Sub Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious comfort meal.

Step 2: Create Bread Base

Spread bread slices across a 9×13-inch baking dish, filling every little space with bread pieces to create a perfect foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Spread

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Favorite seasonings

Smoothly spread this delectable mixture over the bread slices, creating a rich and creamy layer.

Step 4: Sprinkle First Cheese Layer

Scatter a generous handful of mozzarella cheese across the creamy surface, adding a delightful cheesy touch.

Step 5: Add Saucy Meatballs

Gently combine spaghetti sauce and meatballs, then lovingly spoon this mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.

Step 6: Top With More Cheese

Shower the top with remaining mozzarella cheese, creating a golden, melty crown for your casserole.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes.

If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve this irresistible comfort dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips For Ultimate Cheesy Casseroles

• Use day-old or slightly toasted bread to maintain its structure and prevent becoming mushy when combined with sauce and cream cheese.
• Mix Italian herbs or garlic powder into the cream cheese spread for extra taste complexity and aromatic richness.
• Watch casserole closely during last 10 minutes of baking, and tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly to avoid burning.
• Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.
• Replace regular meatballs with turkey or plant-based meatballs for lighter protein alternatives that maintain the dish's delicious essence.

Meaty Casserole Twists To Try

• Vegetarian Meatball Casserole: Replace traditional meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular bread slices with gluten-free bread or cauliflower crust to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Use zucchini rounds or cauliflower base instead of bread to create a keto-friendly alternative with reduced carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, add oregano, and use olive oil-based sauce to give the casserole a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Up Meatball Casserole Magic

Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning appetizer spread by cutting the casserole into smaller bite-sized squares and serving on a decorative platter with toothpicks.

Sandwich Sidekick: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some fresh crunch.

Game Day Champion: Serve this casserole during sports viewing parties or potlucks – it’s easy to transport, feeds a crowd, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser with its classic meatball sub taste.

Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner the next day, maintaining the delicious melted cheese and savory meatball goodness.

Storing Casserole Leftovers The Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Wrap casserole portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work great and can add a more personalized flavor to the casserole.

• Is this recipe good for feeding a crowd?

Yes, this casserole serves multiple people and is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or game day parties.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for several hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• What can I substitute if I don't have cream cheese?

You can use ricotta cheese or a combination of sour cream and cream cheese as an alternative to plain cream cheese.

Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty meatball sub casserole delivers classic Italian-American comfort with crusty bread, savory meatballs, and melted cheese. Layers of rich flavors and textures create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 bag frozen Italian style meatballs, thawed

Bread and Cheese:

• 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 8 ounces (226 grams) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) jar pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Dried parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F for even heating and optimal cooking results.
2. Create a foundation by laying bread slices uniformly across the 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring complete coverage with additional bread pieces.
3. Whisk cream cheese, mayonnaise, and selected seasonings into a smooth, spreadable mixture, then generously coat the bread foundation.
4. Distribute half of the mozzarella cheese evenly across the cream cheese layer, creating a preliminary cheese base.
5. Gently fold spaghetti sauce with meatballs, maintaining their structural integrity, then carefully distribute the mixture over the cream cheese layer.
6. Scatter remaining mozzarella cheese across the top, ensuring comprehensive coverage for a golden, melted finish.
7. Place casserole in preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, monitoring browning and covering with aluminum foil if excessive color develops.
8. Remove from oven and allow 3-5 minutes resting time to stabilize and facilitate clean, precise serving.

Notes

• Opt for day-old bread to prevent sogginess and ensure a crispy base that absorbs the creamy mixture perfectly.
• Replace regular meatballs with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that’s equally delicious.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise to reduce calories without compromising the rich, comforting flavor of the casserole.
• Enhance the dish’s nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers between the cream cheese and sauce layers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg