Name: Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs; 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz); 1 loaf Italian bread or rolls, cubed (about 6 cups); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you have a soft spot for the classic sandwich filled with juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and tangy marinara sauce, then this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is going to be your new favorite comfort food. It captures all the cozy flavors of a meatball sub but transforms them into an easy-to-share baked dish packed with layers of cheesy goodness, perfectly toasted bread, and those delicious meatballs swimming in rich sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family night or impressing friends, this casserole brings warmth and smiles to every table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board with several ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. On the board, at the bottom right, there are slices of toasted bread stacked in a slightly fanned-out way with a golden-brown crust and soft inside. To the left of the bread, there is a small pile of red tomato sauce in a clear glass bowl. Above the tomato sauce, there is shredded white cheese in a round white bowl. To the right of the cheese, there is a white bowl filled with small golden-brown meatballs. Above the meatballs, there are two small white bowls containing white sauces or creams and a green herb in a tiny white bowl between them. A larger white bowl with finely shredded light yellow cheese or mozzarella is to the left side. The arrangement is clean and organized, placed on a smooth white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to making this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a key role, from the tender meatballs delivering hearty protein to the Italian seasoning boosting the aromatic experience. The breads create a satisfying base, soaking up all the sauce and cheese, making every bite irresistibly moist and flavorful.

1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs: The star protein that brings satisfying flavor and texture to the dish.
1 jar marinara sauce: Adds tangy richness and moistness to keep the casserole juicy.
1 loaf Italian bread or rolls, cubed: Provides the perfect base that soaks up the sauce while getting slightly crisp.
2 cups mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull we all love.
½ cup parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty contrast that elevates the flavor profile.
2 eggs: Helps bind the bread and other ingredients without overpowering the taste.
1 cup milk: Moistens the casserole to ensure the bread is soft but not soggy.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm, mellow garlicky undertone throughout the dish.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings traditional herbs like oregano and basil for classic Italian flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it comes to temperature, lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the cubed Italian bread evenly across the dish. For best results, toast the bread cubes beforehand; this extra step helps keep the casserole from becoming soggy after baking, creating a delightful texture contrast.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth. This mixture is the key to binding everything together and infusing each bite with a subtle seasoning that complements the meatballs and sauce perfectly. Pour it evenly over the bread cubes, allowing the liquid to soak through.

Step 3: Layer Meatballs and Sauce

Next, arrange the meatballs evenly over the soaked bread base. Pour the marinara sauce generously on top, ensuring the meatballs are well-coated and the sauce seeps between the bread pieces. This layering step brings the essence of a meatball sub into a beautifully baked casserole form.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the entire top, followed by the grated parmesan. These cheeses will melt into a bubbly golden crust during baking, adding richness and that irresistible gooeyness that is the hallmark of any great meatball sub experience.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has developed a golden, slightly crisp top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow everything to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe

The image shows a baking tray filled with nine round bread rolls topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with green herbs. The bread rolls are golden brown, soft, and slightly shiny with a tomato sauce layer underneath the cheese. The cheese is creamy white and melted, covering the top half of each roll, with a smooth and slightly thick texture. Small green herb bits are spread evenly over the cheese, adding color contrast. The baking tray is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley make a vibrant, fresh garnish that cuts through the rich flavors and brightens the dish. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a lovely hint of heat for those who love a little kick.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple and fresh with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the hearty casserole. Garlic bread sticks or a light Caesar salad complement this cheesy dish beautifully without competing for the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Try portioning the casserole into individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties or layering it in a deep casserole dish paired with colorful tomato slices on top before baking for an eye-catching presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this delicious Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to mingle, making the next meal just as satisfying as the first.

Freezing

This casserole also freezes wonderfully. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker fix, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will add an extra dimension of fresh flavor and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. Just make sure they’re cooked through before layering in the casserole.

Is it okay to use a different type of bread?

Yes! While Italian bread is classic for this dish, you can experiment with French bread, ciabatta, or even sturdy sandwich rolls. Just aim for a bread that can hold up well without turning mushy.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions for extra nutrition and flavor depth. Layer them in before adding the meatballs and sauce for best results.

How spicy is this casserole?

The basic recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?

Mozzarella and parmesan are classic and delicious, but you can add provolone or fontina for a richer, creamier texture. Just keep the balance so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is a joyful twist on a beloved classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The layers of tender meatballs, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and savory bread come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and prepare to have a new favorite comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.