If you are craving the irresistible flavors of a classic sandwich but want something that feeds a crowd with less fuss, the Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This comforting casserole brilliantly layers soft French bread, creamy cheese spread, tangy marinara, and hearty meatballs all baked together into one bubbly, golden dish that captures the essence of a meatball sub in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, delivering a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe keeps things simple with ingredients that are easy to find but essential for building those classic, mouthwatering flavors. Each element plays a role, from the crispy French bread base to the gooey mozzarella topping that melts into a perfect cheesy crust.
- French bread, 1 loaf, sliced: Provides a sturdy yet soft foundation that soaks up the flavors wonderfully.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz, softened: Adds creamy richness that balances the acidity of the marinara sauce.
- Mayonnaise, 1/2 cup: Enhances creaminess and helps the cheese layer melt beautifully.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: Brings aromatic herb notes that brighten the entire dish.
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Infuses subtle savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 cups, divided: Gives that quintessential melty, stretchy cheese texture that makes this casserole feel like a true sub.
- Marinara sauce, 28 oz jar: Provides a rich tomato base packed with herbs and tanginess for authentic meatball sub flavor.
- Frozen fully cooked meatballs, 24 oz, thawed: Saves time while delivering hearty, meaty goodness throughout the casserole.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup: Offers a sharp, nutty topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a final garnish.
How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange your French bread slices in a single layer neatly across the bottom. This bread base will soak up the creamy cheese layer and the savory marinara, creating a satisfying, flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Spread
In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until perfectly smooth. This rich spread will melt into the bread layer, providing a luscious contrast to the tangy tomato sauce and tender meatballs.
Step 3: Layer Cheese and Meatballs
Evenly spread the creamy mixture over the bread slices, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that initial cheesy kick. Next, combine your thawed meatballs with marinara sauce in a bowl to coat them thoroughly. Spoon this hearty meatball and sauce mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring every bite has a balance of meaty goodness and luscious sauce.
Step 4: Final Cheese Topping and Bake
Scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs for a bubbly, golden melting finish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for an extra crisp and flavorful crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until everything is bubbling hot and the cheese is beautifully amber and slightly browned on the edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Cool Slightly
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. If you like, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch before serving this ultimate comfort dish warm.
How to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright green parsley or a few basil leaves work wonders as garnishes, adding a splash of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. For a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also be delightful.
Side Dishes
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or simple steamed broccoli are also excellent companions that keep the focus on the luscious main dish without overwhelming your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole scooped onto individual plates with extra marinara drizzled on top. Alternatively, layer the casserole into mini ramekins for personalized servings at a dinner party—everyone loves their own warm, cheesy portion to dig into!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe has cooled, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and tastes even better when reheated as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Freeze it before baking in an airtight container or foil pan, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Once cooked, leftover portions can be frozen individually for quick future meals.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftover casserole pieces into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings but oven reheating preserves the texture and cheesy goodness best.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought meatballs work wonderfully in this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe. Just make sure they are fully cooked before layering them in the casserole for best results.
Is it okay to use other types of bread?
French bread is ideal for its sturdy yet soft texture, but you can substitute with Italian bread or hoagie rolls sliced in similar thickness if needed. Just ensure the bread layer can hold up to the sauce without getting too soggy.
Can I add veggies to the casserole?
Yes! Finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions can be sautéed and layered with the meatballs and marinara for an extra veggie boost without changing the spirit of the dish.
How spicy is this casserole?
The base recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily kick up the heat with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce mixed into the marinara sauce for those who like some spice.
What sides go best with Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe?
Simple green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli, or even a light pasta salad complement the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is hands down one of those feel-good dishes that brings people together around the table with smiles all around. Its ease of assembly, hearty flavors, and gooey cheese make it a beloved twist on the classic sub sandwich, perfect any night of the week. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!
Print
Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Meatball Sub Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish combining tender meatballs, marinara sauce, creamy seasoned spread, and melted cheeses layered over French bread. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it offers all the flavors of a classic meatball sub in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
Creamy Spread
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat and Sauce
- 1 (28 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (24 oz) package frozen fully cooked meatballs, thawed
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange French bread slices: Place the sliced French bread in a single layer evenly covering the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the base of the casserole.
- Make the creamy spread: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture: Evenly spread the creamy mixture over the layer of French bread, covering all slices completely for rich flavor and moisture.
- Add mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer to add gooey, melty texture.
- Combine meatballs and marinara: In a separate bowl, mix the thawed fully cooked meatballs with the marinara sauce, ensuring the meatballs are well coated.
- Layer meatballs and sauce: Spoon the meatballs and marinara sauce evenly over the mozzarella cheese layer, distributing them across the casserole evenly.
- Top with remaining cheeses: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs and sauce layer.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a crunchier base, lightly toast the French bread slices before assembling the casserole.
- You can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade or turkey meatballs according to your preference.
- Pair this casserole with a simple green salad to make a well-rounded meal.
