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Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 246 reviews

This Meatball Sub Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining layers of baked garlic bread, creamy cheese mixture, savory meatballs, and rich pasta sauce, all baked to perfection with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Bread Layer

  • 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

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 the Garlic Bread: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen garlic bread according to the package instructions. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Adjust the oven temperature to 350°F if needed. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
  3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, miracle whip, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are blended, though a few small clumps of cream cheese are acceptable.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Layer the casserole by placing a single layer of baked garlic bread slices at the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the mozzarella layer. Next, add half of the red pasta sauce and spread evenly over the cream cheese. Arrange a single layer of meatballs on top of the sauce. Finally, pour the remaining pasta sauce over the meatballs and top with the remaining 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are heated through.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh oregano if desired to add a fresh, herbal finish.
  7. Serve: Cut into portions and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting casserole as a main dish for dinner or a hearty lunch.

Notes

  • If using frozen cooked meatballs, ensure they are fully thawed before assembling.
  • You can substitute miracle whip with mayonnaise if preferred.
  • Feel free to use any flavor of your favorite red pasta sauce, such as marinara, tomato basil, or spicy arrabbiata for variety.
  • Optional: Add sliced olives, bell peppers, or onions for additional flavor and texture.
  • The casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.

Keywords: Meatball Sub Casserole, baked meatball dish, garlic bread casserole, mozzarella cheese casserole, easy dinner recipes, Italian comfort food

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