Meatball Sub Casserole is a delicious comfort dish that combines all the flavors of a classic meatball sub into an easy-to-make casserole. This family-friendly recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and is sure to impress with its hearty mix of meatballs, marinara sauce, cheese, and warm bread. Let’s delve into the recipe and explore how to create this satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
12 slices of sub sandwich bread
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, around 1 inch in diameter.
Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Layer the Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer the sub sandwich bread slices over the sauce.
Add the Meatballs: Place the browned meatballs on top of the bread layer.
Sauce it Up: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
Cheese it Up: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.

Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Ground Meat: You can use ground beef for a richer flavor or ground turkey for a lighter option.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Marinara

Making your own marinara sauce can significantly enhance the flavors, but store-bought options work just fine in a pinch.

Cheese Variations

While mozzarella is the traditional choice, feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of ricotta for a different taste.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover Meatball Sub Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with garlic bread or pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

The Meatball Sub Casserole is everything you love about meatball subs but in an easy, shareable form. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly filling, and best of all, it bakes in one dish—making cleanup a breeze!

Final Thoughts

Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a game night, the Meatball Sub Casserole is sure to be a hit. With its combination of savory meatballs, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish brings all the beloved flavors of a traditional meatball sub that everyone enjoys. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular on your dinner menu!