If you have ever dreamed of combining the comforting goodness of a meatball sub with the ease of a casserole, then this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of soft Italian bread, creamy cheese layers, hearty meatballs, and rich pasta sauce all baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, this dish gives you all the nostalgic flavors of a classic sandwich but in a warm, sliceable form that’s ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Each bite is like a cozy hug full of cheesy, savory satisfaction that you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but bring lots of flavor and texture to the table. Each element plays a key role in creating that delicious balance between creamy, melty, and meaty.
- Italian bread: Provides a soft, sturdy base that soaks up all the flavors without turning mushy.
- Cream cheese: Adds richness and a smooth texture, tying the layers together beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: Boosts creaminess and adds a subtle tang that complements the cheese.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic herbaceous notes that bring out the best in the sauce and meatballs.
- Pepper: Offers mild heat and seasoning punch to balance the richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Brings melty, gooey goodness that’s essential for that classic meatball sub appeal.
- Frozen Italian-style meatballs: The star protein, providing savory, tender bites throughout.
- Pasta sauce: Adds robust, tangy tomato flavor that ties the whole casserole together.
- Dried parsley (optional): A simple garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh aroma.
How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get everything ready for baking. Arrange the thick Italian bread slices in a single layer inside a 9×13-inch baking dish, filling any gaps with extra pieces so there’s an even base to absorb all the delicious toppings.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Spread
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper until smooth and combined. This creamy mixture adds flavor and moisture, so spread it evenly over each slice of bread to create a rich, indulgent layer.
Step 3: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over your cream cheese spread. This will start building your casserole’s signature melty cheese layer that everyone loves.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
Gently stir the thawed Italian-style meatballs into the pasta sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Spoon this hearty mixture evenly over the cheesy layer, spreading the sauce to cover all the bread slices and cheese below.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cheese and Bake
Finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t over-brown. If you see the cheese getting too dark, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to protect it while continuing to bake.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice into perfect portions that showcase all those delicious layers. Serve warm for ultimate comfort and flavor.
How to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of dried parsley adds a bright, fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous aroma to contrast the rich, cheesy casserole. It’s a simple touch that elevates the presentation and entices appetites.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs brilliantly with light, crisp sides that balance the heartiness. Think along the lines of a refreshing garden salad with vinaigrette, roasted veggies to add texture and nutrition, or even some crunchy garlic bread if you want to embrace carb heaven fully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for parties. Layer up the casserole in a clear glass baking dish to showcase all the gooey layers or turn it into a buffet-friendly option by cutting it into sliders for easy grabbing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your meal, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe before baking by wrapping the entire assembled dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It lasts beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, use the microwave but expect the texture to be less crispy on top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade or store-bought meatballs work just as well. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before assembling the casserole so everything heats evenly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meatballs with plant-based vegetarian meatballs or cooked chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free version that still delivers great flavor.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Italian bread is preferred because of its texture and flavor, but you can get creative with other crusty breads like French baguette or sourdough slices. Just keep the thickness consistent for best results.
What can I add to make the casserole spicier?
Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce. Adding sliced jalapeños as a topping before baking can also give a nice kick.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the Italian bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Just be mindful that gluten-free bread may absorb less moisture, so keeping the layering balanced helps keep the casserole delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings all the wonderful flavors and comforting textures of a beloved sandwich into one easy-to-serve dish. Whether you need a family dinner, a gather-around-the-table meal, or a make-ahead option, this recipe has got you covered with simplicity and deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings — you might just find yourself making it again next week!
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Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Meatball Sub Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic meatball sub sandwich into a warm, comforting casserole dish. Layers of Italian bread slices are topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese and mayonnaise, savory Italian-style meatballs simmered in pasta sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy cravings for Italian-American comfort food.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use (½ cup for layering, 1½ cups for topping)
Meatballs and Sauce
- 1 bag frozen Italian-style meatballs, thawed (approx. 20–24 meatballs)
- 24-ounce jar pasta sauce
Garnish
- Dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Arrange the bread: Lay the Italian bread slices in a single layer in an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill in any gaps with smaller bread pieces to create an even base.
- Prepare the cream cheese spread: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices to add a creamy, flavorful layer.
- Add mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer to add gooey cheesiness to the base.
- Combine meatballs and sauce: In a separate bowl, gently stir together the thawed Italian-style meatballs with the pasta sauce until the meatballs are well coated.
- Layer meatballs and sauce: Spoon the meatball and sauce mixture evenly over the cream cheese and cheese layers in the baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce to create a cheesy top layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the cheese begins to brown too much before the baking time ends, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Optionally, sprinkle dried parsley on top for garnish. Slice into portions and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, thaw the frozen meatballs completely before using to ensure even heating.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture or the pasta sauce.
- Italian bread can be substituted with French bread or a rustic baguette cut into similar slices.
- The casserole can be prepared a few hours ahead, stored covered in the refrigerator, and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
