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Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This Meatball Sub Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the classic flavors of a meatball sub into a baked casserole. Layers of garlic bread, creamy seasoned cheese spread, marinara sauce, tender meatballs, and melty mozzarella cheese come together in one easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Bread

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

Cheese Mixture

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

Cheese and Sauce

  • 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 23 ounces red pasta sauce (any flavor, divided)

Meatballs and Garnish

  • 24 meatballs (cooked, fresh or thawed)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bake Garlic Bread: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen garlic bread according to the package’s instructions, usually until golden and crisp. Once baked, set the bread aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the casserole.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Adjust your oven temperature to 350°F if needed. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This dish will hold all layers of your casserole.
  3. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, miracle whip, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly; it’s okay if there are a few small clumps of cream cheese remaining. This mixture will add creamy tanginess to your casserole.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Layering time! Start by placing a single layer of the cooked garlic bread on the bottom of your baking dish. Next, sprinkle 1¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the mozzarella layer. Pour half of the pasta sauce evenly on top and spread. Arrange a single layer of meatballs over the sauce. Finally, top the meatballs with the remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle with the remaining 1¼ cups of mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish uncovered in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and the meatballs are heated through, bubbling slightly around the edges.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps set the layers and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped fresh oregano if desired for a fresh herbal note.
  7. Serve: Spoon portions onto plates and serve warm. This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can use any flavor of red pasta sauce you prefer, from marinara to spicy arrabbiata, to customize the casserole’s taste.
  • If you want to save time, use pre-cooked frozen meatballs that just need to be reheated in the casserole.
  • For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a lower calorie version, consider using part-skim mozzarella and a reduced-fat cream cheese alternative.

Keywords: Meatball Sub, Casserole, Baked Meatballs, Garlic Bread Casserole, Italian Casserole, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/meatball-sub-casserole-recipe/