If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic sandwich but want to kick things up a notch, this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the saucy, cheesy goodness of a traditional meatball sub, layered beautifully in a casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers all week long. Imagine tender Italian bread soaked with a creamy mixture, topped with hearty meatballs smothered in rich pasta sauce, and finished with an irresistible blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is pure joy in every bite, effortlessly combining so many favorite flavors into one simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh essentials that come together to create an unbeatable flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a specific role, whether it’s adding creaminess, tang, or a golden cheesy finish. You’ll see how easy it is to assemble with just a few simple components that pack a hearty punch.
- Italian bread: Provides a sturdy, flavorful base that soaks up all the creamy and saucy goodness without turning mushy.
- Cream cheese: Adds richness and a smooth, tangy texture that elevates the entire casserole.
- Mayonnaise: Blends with cream cheese for extra moisture and subtle flavor balance.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant, herby note essential to that classic sub taste.
- Pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to keep the flavors lively.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that luscious, gooey topping you expect from a meatball sub.
- Frozen Italian-style meatballs: The hearty protein star that saves time and taste buds, bursting with savory depth.
- Pasta sauce: Wraps the meatballs in rich, tangy tomato flavor for a classic sub experience.
- Dried parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and light herbal flavor to finish off your casserole perfectly.
How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures everything bakes evenly and melds beautifully. Next, arrange your Italian bread slices in a single layer within an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill any empty spaces with extra bread pieces to create a solid base that will hold all the layers.
Step 2: Mix and Spread the Creamy Layer
Grab a bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper into one smooth mixture. This blend is the secret to that luscious, creamy texture that soaks into the bread and balances the hearty meatballs. Spread it evenly over the arranged bread slices, giving every piece a flavorful coating.
Step 3: Add the First Layer of Mozzarella
Sprinkle half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese layer. This step adds that essential cheesy layer that literally melts into the casserole, creating incredible gooeyness with every bite.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Now it’s time to unite the star players: gently mix the thawed Italian-style meatballs with the jar of pasta sauce. This combo gets spooned perfectly over the mozzarella-topped bread, infusing the casserole with classic, robust flavors you crave.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top to create an irresistible golden crust as it bakes. Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, lightly cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing everything to cook through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set and become easier to slice. Serve warm for that comfort food feeling that hugs your soul from the inside out.
How to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little dried parsley over the top for a touch of vibrant green that brightens the look and adds a mild herbal kick. For extra flair, fresh basil or a dash of grated Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a Caesar or simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also add refreshing texture contrasts to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole buffet-style for casual gatherings with plenty of small plates and forks or offer it alongside crusty bread and pickles for an Italian-inspired spread. For a fun twist, try scooping it onto toasted baguette slices, turning the casserole back into a kind of open-faced meatball sub!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover any remaining Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner solution.
Freezing
This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into airtight containers or freeze the entire dish covered with heavy-duty foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and reheat for quick nourishing meals.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the fridge overnight. Warm individual servings in the microwave for a few minutes, or heat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. This keeps the cheese melty and the meatballs tender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade or store-bought meatballs can be used. Just make sure they’re cooked through before combining with the sauce and layering in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based versions easily. You can also use roasted vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant for a delicious twist.
Can I use different types of bread?
Italian bread works best for its texture and flavor, but you could substitute with French bread or a rustic sourdough loaf sliced thickly for similar results.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild by default, with the Italian seasoning and black pepper adding gentle warmth. You can always add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage meatballs if you want more heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh on the day you want to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors you love from a classic sandwich but in a warm, cozy casserole form. It’s perfect for feeding family, impressing guests, or simply indulging in a trusted favorite. I promise once you try it, it will become a go-to recipe for weeknights and gatherings alike. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to fall in love with meatball subs all over again!
Print
Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Meatball Sub Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines classic Italian flavors in a convenient baked casserole form. Layers of Italian bread, creamy cheese spread, tangy pasta sauce, and tender meatballs are topped with melted mozzarella for a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
Cream Cheese Spread
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use (½ cup for layering, 1½ cups for topping)
Meatball Layer
- 1 bag frozen Italian-style meatballs, thawed (approximately 12–15 meatballs)
- 24-ounce jar pasta sauce
Garnish
- Dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Arrange the Bread: Place the Italian bread slices in a single layer in an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill any gaps with bread pieces to create a solid base layer.
- Make Cream Cheese Spread: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Spread on Bread: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is covered.
- Add Mozzarella Layer: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer for a cheesy base.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: Gently combine the thawed Italian-style meatballs with the jar of pasta sauce, mixing just enough to coat the meatballs.
- Top the Bread: Spoon the meatball and sauce mixture evenly over the cream cheese and mozzarella layers, covering all the bread slices.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a melted cheesy topping when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. Garnish with dried parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Thaw meatballs completely before mixing with pasta sauce to ensure even heating.
- You can substitute Italian bread with French bread or hoagie rolls cut thickly.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture or use a spicy pasta sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- To make this recipe allergy-friendly, use gluten-free bread and mayonnaise alternatives if needed.
