Meatball Sub Casserole

Meatball Sub Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish that mimics the flavors of a classic meatball sub sandwich but is made in casserole form. It typically layers bread, seasoned meatballs, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s popular for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings because it’s easy to make ahead and feeds a crowd.

Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a hearty casserole that both kids and adults will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a comforting homemade dish, this casserole is sure to impress.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread (cut into 1-inch slices)

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 (28 oz) bag frozen cooked meatballs (thawed)

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the bread base:
   Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer covering the bottom of the baking dish. Slightly overlap the pieces if needed.

3. Mix the cheese spread:
   In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.

4. Assemble the casserole:
   Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread slices. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

5. Add meatballs and sauce:
   In a separate bowl, mix the meatballs with the marinara sauce until evenly coated. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over the cheese layer.

6. Top with more cheese:
   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the meatballs.

7. Bake:
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

8. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot  it’s great with a simple side salad!

Meatball Sub Casserole: A Comforting, Family-Friendly Meal

Meatball Sub Casserole is the perfect solution when you’re craving the warm, savory flavors of a traditional meatball sub but want the ease and comfort of a casserole. This dish combines the best aspects of a classic sub sandwich, with tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all baked together in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a hearty casserole that both kids and adults will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a comforting homemade dish, this casserole is sure to impress.

The Origins of the Meatball Sub

The meatball sub, also known as a meatball sandwich, is a classic Italian-American creation that has become beloved in kitchens across the United States. The dish is believed to have originated in Italian-American communities in the early 20th century, combining the flavors of meatballs (traditionally made from ground beef or pork) with a tangy, tomato-based sauce, all nestled in a soft Italian-style bread roll.

It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that gained popularity for its comforting nature and easy-to-eat format. The meatball sub has since evolved into a versatile dish, with various toppings and bread options, but its foundational components of meatballs, sauce, and cheese remain timeless.

Why Choose a Casserole Version?

While the meatball sub is typically served as a handheld sandwich, turning this beloved dish into a casserole offers several benefits that make it an even more appealing option for dinner.

1. Ease and Convenience:
   Casseroles are all about simplifying dinner. Instead of assembling individual sandwiches, you can layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. This saves you time, especially when cooking for a crowd or during busy nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

2. Family-Friendly:
   Casseroles are designed to feed a crowd. With the Meatball Sub Casserole, you can easily scale the recipe depending on how many people you’re feeding, and it’s a meal that works well for picky eaters who might not want to eat a whole sandwich. The familiar flavors are comforting and easy to enjoy for both kids and adults alike.

3. Great for Meal Prep:
   This casserole is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. You can prepare it in advance, then simply bake or reheat when you’re ready to serve, making it a great option for busy weeks ahead.

4. Versatility in Ingredients:
   While the traditional meatball sub casserole uses a loaf of French bread, this dish can be easily adapted to suit personal preferences. You can use Italian bread, baguettes, or even garlic bread for added flavor. The choice of meatball is also flexible  beef, turkey, or chicken all work wonderfully, and vegetarian meatballs can be used for those seeking a plant-based option.

The Key Elements of Meatball Sub Casserole

The secret to a successful Meatball Sub Casserole lies in the combination of flavorful ingredients and their careful layering to create a dish that is both satisfying and balanced. Let’s take a deeper look at these key components:

1. Bread Layer

The base of any meatball sub is the bread, and in this casserole, it acts as the foundation that absorbs the sauce and cheese, adding texture and flavor. French bread, with its chewy interior and crusty exterior, is the traditional choice. The bread slices should be arranged in a single layer in the casserole dish, providing a solid foundation to support the hearty meatballs and sauce.

For an added twist, consider using garlic bread or parmesan-crusted bread to introduce extra flavor to the dish. Toasting the bread slightly before layering can also add a bit of crunch and prevent the bread from becoming too soggy while baking.

2. Meatballs

The meatballs are undoubtedly the star of this casserole. Traditional meatballs are made from a combination of ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. These ingredients come together to form tender, flavorful meatballs that hold their shape as they cook.

While you can opt for store-bought frozen meatballs to save time, homemade meatballs will add a level of flavor that elevates the dish. Whether you choose beef, turkey, or even sausage, be sure to cook the meatballs before adding them to the casserole, either by pan-frying or baking them. This ensures they hold together and absorb the sauce without becoming too greasy.

3. Marinara Sauce

No meatball sub is complete without a rich, tangy marinara sauce. The sauce provides the perfect balance to the savory meatballs, and it also helps to keep the bread moist and flavorful. Store-bought marinara can do the trick, but if you have the time, homemade marinara sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs will take your casserole to the next level.

Adding a bit of Italian seasoning to the sauce enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the basil, oregano, and thyme notes that pair perfectly with the meatballs.

4. Cheese

Cheese is one of the most satisfying elements of any casserole, and in this case, mozzarella cheese is the perfect choice. Its mild, creamy flavor and excellent meltability ensure that it combines well with the meatballs and sauce, creating a gooey, delicious topping. Parmesan or provolone can also be added for an extra layer of sharp, nutty flavor.

For an extra indulgent experience, you can mix ricotta cheese into the sauce for a creamy texture, akin to lasagna. This extra richness makes the casserole even more decadent.

5. The Bake

Once everything is layered in the casserole dish, the magic happens in the oven. The casserole is baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the bread absorbs all the flavors of the sauce and meatballs. The result is a hot, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that’s ready to serve.

How to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole

The best part about this casserole is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it on its own as a complete meal or pair it with a variety of sides. Here are some great ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with extra garlic bread for a classic pairing. The crispy bread complements the soft, cheesy casserole beautifully.

• Salads: A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli provide a great side to balance out the heavy dish.

• Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges or fries add a bit of crunch and are always a hit with kids.

Conclusion:

The Meatball Sub Casserole is more than just a simple dinner it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the rich flavors of meatballs, marinara, and cheese, all baked into a golden, gooey casserole. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something a little more indulgent for a special occasion, the Meatball Sub Casserole is sure to be a hit. It combines the best of Italian-American comfort food with the convenience and heartiness of a casserole, making it a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and cozy meals.

With its layers of cheese, savory meatballs, and rich sauce, the Meatball Sub Casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic favorite!

---