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
Scale
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.
