Meatball Sub Casserole
Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal? Meatball Sub Casserole is a dish that brings together the hearty flavors of a classic sub sandwich and the comforting convenience of a baked casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a game-day gathering. This recipe combines layers of buttery garlic bread, juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to make but delivers big on flavor, this Meatball Sub Casserole is it!!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together effortlessly.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves meatballs, gooey cheese, and savory marinara sauce.
- Customizable: Use your favorite bread, marinara, or meatball type to make it your own.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread, sliced thickly, or garlic toast (found in the freezer section of your grocery store)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (if using French or Italian bread instead of ready-made garlic bread)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if using French or Italian bread instead of ready-made garlic bread)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (if using French or Italian bread instead of ready-made garlic bread)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 18-20 medium-sized meatballs (fully cooked or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Bread Layer
- Choose Your Bread Base: If using thick slices of Italian or French bread, spread melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning over each slice. Alternatively, garlic toast from the freezer section can be used directly for added flavor and convenience.
- Toast the Bread: Place the prepared bread or garlic toast in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using fresh bread, toast lightly in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to keep it from becoming soggy later.
Meatballs and Sauce
- Arrange the Meatballs: Medium-sized cooked meatballs work best for even distribution. Homemade or store-bought are both great options.
- Pour the Sauce: Spread marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring each one is coated.
Adding the Cheesy Topping
- Sprinkle the Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella cheese is used for its perfect melt and flavor.
- Top with Parmesan: Add a layer of grated Parmesan for a rich, savory finish.
Baking
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Bread
Using thick slices of Italian or French bread ensures the casserole doesn’t become too soft. A slightly stale loaf works perfectly. Alternatively, garlic toast from the freezer section adds extra flavor and convenience.
Make It Ahead
This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s a great option for busy days when you want to prepare ahead of time. To ensure the best results, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Customize the Meatballs
Homemade meatballs made with a mix of ground beef and pork will add extra flavor, but frozen meatballs save time and work just as well.
Experiment with Cheese
While mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, a mix of provolone and mozzarella adds a unique touch
Storing & Reheating Meatball Sub Casserole
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an lo in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Reheating Leftovers
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
Yes, but shredded mozzarella melts more evenly, making it ideal for this casserole.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the bread with a gluten-free loaf and ensure your meatballs and marinara sauce are gluten-free.
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Meatball Sub Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread sliced thickly, or garlic toast (found in the freezer section of your grocery store)
- 1/4 cup butter melted (if using French or Italian bread instead of ready-made garlic bread)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if using French or Italian bread instead of ready-made garlic bread
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning if using French or Italian bread instead of ready-made garlic bread
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 18-20 medium-sized meatballs fully cooked or homemade
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- If using thick slices of Italian or French bread, spread melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning over each slice. Place the slices butter-side-up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish Alternatively, garlic toast from the freezer section can be used directly for added flavor and convenience.
- Place the prepared bread or garlic toast in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using fresh bread, Toast lightly in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange the meatballs evenly on top of lightly toasted garlic bread
- Spread marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring each one is coated.
- Sprinkle the Mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.