Meatball Sub Casserole

Indulge in the flavors of a classic meatball sub with this easy-to-make Meatball Sub Casserole. The seasoned meatballs are baked to perfection and combined with a creamy layer of cream cheese spread on Italian bread. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a flavorful tomato sauce, this casserole captures all the deliciousness of a meatball sub in a convenient and shareable dish.

Meatball Sub Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch slices
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 (28-ounce) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

1. Prepare Meatballs:

• In a bowl, combine chopped green onions, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
• Add ground beef and mix well.
• Shape into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are no longer pink. (Alternatively, you can fry them in a skillet on medium heat).

1. Reduce Oven Temperature:

• Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.

1. Arrange Bread:

• Meanwhile, arrange slices of Italian bread in a single layer in an ungreased 13×9 baking dish. Not all the bread may be used.

1. Prepare Creamy Spread:

• Combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the bread.
• Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.

1. Combine Sauce and Meatballs:

• In a separate bowl, combine spaghetti sauce, water, and minced garlic. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce mixture.

1. Assemble Casserole:

• Pour the meatball and sauce mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

1. Bake:

• Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until the casserole is thoroughly cooked.

Tips:

• Customize the Italian bread slices by toasting them slightly before assembling the casserole for added crunch.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a burst of freshness.
• Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.