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