meatball sub casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best meatball sub casserole recipe

I’ve been making this meatball sub casserole recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

The combination of juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is irresistible. My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread on the side.

I like that it’s easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use. This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.

The best part is that it’s relatively healthy, with lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables. I serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread or rolls. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the meatballs.

I like to use a mixture of beef and pork for added flavor. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices.

Meatball Sub Casserole

4.7 from 1248 votes

This casserole combines all the flavors of a classic meatball sub in a convenient baked dish. Tender meatballs are nestled in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked over a layer of crusty bread cubes.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Casserole

4 cups cubed Italian bread (about 1/2-inch cubes)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3Mix gently with your hands until just combined, then form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
6The meatballs should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
7Spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8Pour the marinara sauce over the bread cubes and stir gently to coat.
9Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the bread mixture, pressing them slightly into the sauce.
10Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the meatballs and bread.
11Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
12The internal temperature of the casserole should reach 165°F.
13Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
14Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
9×13-inch baking dish
Medium skillet
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 34g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add sliced bell peppers or onions to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.

Watch Video Of How Meatball Sub Casserole Works

This meatball sub casserole is always a good idea for any occasion because it is easy to make and feeds a crowd without a lot of fuss. It works well for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home.

The leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day. For storage, let the casserole cool completely then cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.

It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve it with extra marinara on the side and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. It also goes great with garlic bread or a simple side salad.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball Sub Casserole

What type of meatballs should I use?

In this recipe, you can use either beef or pork meatballs, or a combination of both. If you prefer a leaner option, you can also use turkey or chicken meatballs.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat this casserole?

You can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I substitute the marinara sauce with something else?

You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own using canned tomatoes and herbs.

What if I don’t have any breadcrumbs?

You can omit the breadcrumbs altogether or substitute them with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.

Similar Posts