Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole
A hearty Italian-inspired casserole featuring flavorful meatballs, melted mozzarella, and savory spaghetti sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 16 ounces Italian style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3 cups spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped green onions, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, ground pepper, and minced garlic.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a skillet, brown the meatballs over medium heat until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add 2 cups of spaghetti sauce and water to the cream cheese mixture, stirring well.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce mixture and stir to coat.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the Italian bread cubes, then spread the meatball and sauce mixture over the bread.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a tangy twist. If you don't have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. To make it a bit spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a hearty meal. You can also serve it with Quick Cooked Spaghetti for a complete Italian experience. For a fun twist, consider adding pickled jalapeños on the side for a spicy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it, covered, for 2-3 minutes. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispiness of the bread.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole contains roughly 861 calories, with 50g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (100% of the Daily Value), calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1275mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don't have cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute. Both will provide a creamy texture. Alternatively, a blend of sour cream and yogurt can also work, giving a slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
Can I freeze the Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, remove the foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).