Meatball Sub Casserole
A cheesy, flavorful meatball casserole with Italian bread, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, perfect for satisfying family dinners or entertaining guests with ease.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 loaf Italian bread cut into 1-inch slices ⓘ
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided ⓘ
- 28 ounces jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 minced garlic cloves ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chopped green onions, seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and ground beef in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and bake on a rack in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes or until done.
- Arrange Italian bread slices in a single layer in an ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper until well blended; spread this mixture over the bread slices.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese mixture.
- Combine cooked meatballs, spaghetti sauce, water, and minced garlic; pour this sauce over the bread and cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as beef and pork, in your meatballs. You can substitute the Italian bread with hoagie rolls for a different texture. If you prefer a lighter option, try using low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise. Fresh herbs can also enhance the dish, replacing dried Italian seasoning for a brighter taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meatball Sub Casserole with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a simple green vegetable pairs well with the rich flavors of the casserole. This dish also pairs beautifully with Hal Williams Tasty Turkey Spaghetti Sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Sub Casserole contains roughly 762 calories, with 41g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% 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 make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly before adding to the casserole.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based meat substitutes, which will still provide a hearty texture to the dish.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
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).