Meatball Garlic Bread Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Meatball Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. Combining garlic bread, creamy cheese, savory meatballs, and rich pasta sauce, it’s an easy, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf frozen garlic bread (roughly 10 to 14 ounces)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 23 ounces red pasta sauce (any flavor, divided)
• 24 meatballs (cooked, fresh or thawed)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bake the garlic bread according to the package directions, then set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F if needed. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, Miracle Whip, and Italian seasoning. It’s okay if the mixture has a few small lumps.
4. Step 4: To assemble the casserole, place a single layer of cooked garlic bread at the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread.
5. Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the mozzarella cheese, then pour half of the pasta sauce and spread it into an even layer.
6. Step 6: Arrange a single layer of meatballs over the sauce, then top with the remaining pasta sauce and the remaining 1 1/4 cups of mozzarella cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the meatballs are heated through.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh oregano if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite pasta sauce flavor, such as marinara or spicy arrabbiata, to customize the dish.
• For a creamier texture, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan between layers.
• Substitute Miracle Whip with mayonnaise for a slightly different tang.
• Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers on top for extra veggies and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs for this casserole?

Yes, homemade meatballs work wonderfully. Just make sure they are fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Meatball Garlic Bread Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 129 reviews

This Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of crispy garlic bread, creamy cheese mixture, savory meatballs, and flavorful pasta sauce combine to create a rich and satisfying casserole baked to perfection with a golden melted mozzarella topping.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 loaf frozen garlic bread (roughly 10 to 14 ounces)

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup miracle whip
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Toppings

• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 23 ounces red pasta sauce (any flavor, divided)
• 24 meatballs (cooked, fresh or thawed)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic Bread: Bake the frozen garlic bread according to the package directions until fully cooked and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Adjust oven temperature to 350°F if needed. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
3. Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, miracle whip, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly but a few small lumps can remain for texture.
4. Assemble Layers: Place a single layer of baked garlic bread on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the mozzarella. Spoon and spread half of the pasta sauce over the cream cheese layer. Arrange a single layer of meatballs on top of the sauce. Spread the remaining pasta sauce over the meatballs. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 1/4 cups of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce.
5. Bake Casserole: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are heated through.
6. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with freshly chopped oregano if desired.
7. Serve: Serve warm as a fulfilling main dish alongside a salad or vegetables.

Notes

• You can use fresh, homemade, or thawed frozen meatballs as preferred.
• If garlic bread size varies, adjust layering accordingly to cover the baking dish evenly.
• Miracle whip can be substituted with mayonnaise if preferred.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of parmesan before baking.
• The casserole can be prepared ahead up to assembly step and refrigerated, then baked before serving.

Keywords: Meatball casserole, garlic bread casserole, baked meatballs, mozzarella cheese casserole, easy dinner recipe