Meatball Sub Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that takes the beloved flavors of a classic meatball sub and transforms them into an easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines juicy, flavorful meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled in a baked, bubbly casserole.
It offers the satisfying taste of a meatball sub without the hassle of assembling individual sandwiches.
The casserole typically begins with tender homemade or store-bought meatballs, which are then smothered in rich tomato sauce. A generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is added, creating that iconic cheesy, gooey texture everyone loves.
For extra flavor, some recipes include herbs like basil or oregano, while a crispy topping of toasted breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch to contrast the soft layers inside.
This dish is incredibly versatile; you can easily add your favorite ingredients, such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms, to personalize it.
Whether served with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad, Meatball Sub Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly meal that brings all the classic sub sandwich flavors together in a warm, comforting casserole form. Perfect for satisfying big appetites and simple to prepare!
Meatball Sub Casserole
Description
Meatball Sub Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic meatball sub in a casserole form.
Layers of tender, seasoned meatballs are baked in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and served over slices of toasted bread, creating a comforting, easy-to-make meal.
It’s the perfect dish for families or gatherings, offering all the savory goodness of a traditional sub without the hassle.
This casserole can be prepared in advance and baked when ready, making it a great option for busy weeknights or weekend meals.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; don't overwork the meat.
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Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until they're browned and cooked through.
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While the meatballs are baking, slice the hoagie rolls into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
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In a large casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
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Once the meatballs are ready, carefully place them in the casserole dish over the marinara sauce.
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Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they're well-coated.
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Tear the hoagie rolls into pieces and layer them over the meatballs, pressing them down gently to absorb some of the sauce.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the casserole to heat through.
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After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 30g60%
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Meatball Sub Casserole: Tips, Servings Tricks, and Conclusion
Meatball Sub Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the best elements of a classic meatball sub sandwich with the ease and convenience of a casserole.
This dish is a favorite for families and is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With a crispy top, savory meatballs, and melted cheese, it brings all the delicious flavors of a sub sandwich into a warm, cheesy casserole form.
Let’s dive into some key tips for making the perfect Meatball Sub Casserole, tricks for serving, and a concluding summary on why it’s a must-try dish.
Tips for the Perfect Meatball Sub Casserole
- Use Quality Meatballs While you can opt for store-bought meatballs, homemade meatballs are often the best choice. You can control the seasoning, use fresh meat, and ensure they are cooked just right. A mixture of ground beef and pork yields the best results, offering both flavor and moisture. Adding breadcrumbs, eggs, grated parmesan, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano can really elevate the taste.
- Choose the Right Bread The bread is just as important as the meatballs in a Meatball Sub Casserole. Using a sturdy bread, such as Italian or French baguettes, is key to ensuring the casserole holds up when baking. Slice the bread into cubes to create a crouton-like texture that soaks up the sauce while still maintaining a bit of crunch.
- Layer for Flavor Layering is essential for building the right balance of flavors and textures in this casserole. Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the casserole dish to keep the bread from drying out. Then, add your cooked meatballs, followed by more marinara sauce, bread cubes, and finally, a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
- Bake with a Lid for Moisture To ensure that your casserole stays moist, bake it covered for the first 20–25 minutes. This will allow the bread to soak up the sauce and soften, while also keeping the meatballs tender. In the final 10–15 minutes, uncover the casserole to allow the cheese to melt and brown on top, creating a deliciously crispy crust.
- Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor Once your casserole is baked, sprinkle it with freshly chopped basil, parsley, or oregano. This adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of the dish. A drizzle of olive oil on top before baking can also enhance the flavor, adding richness and depth.
- Consider the Sauce While marinara sauce is traditional for meatball subs, you can experiment with different sauces for variety. Try adding a bit of garlic butter, a creamy Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a unique twist. You could also add a touch of balsamic vinegar to the marinara for a slightly tangy note.
Servings Tricks
- Portion Size When serving a Meatball Sub Casserole, consider the portion size. If you are serving it as a main course, aim for generous servings of about 1.5–2 cups per person. For a lighter meal or side dish, serving sizes of about 1 cup work well.
- Pair with a Side Salad Since the casserole is rich and filling, balance it with a light side dish like a crisp green salad, a tangy coleslaw, or a vegetable medley. The freshness of the salad helps cut through the richness of the casserole, providing a well-rounded meal.
- Use Individual Servings For a more refined presentation, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This gives each person a personal serving, making it perfect for dinner parties or meal prep for the week. Plus, it adds an elegant touch to a casual dish.
- Freezing for Later This casserole is great for meal prep. If you have leftovers or want to make it ahead, it freezes beautifully. After baking, allow the casserole to cool, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion
Meatball Sub Casserole is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavor of a traditional meatball sub in a comforting casserole form.
With tips for creating the perfect meatballs, selecting the right bread, and layering for maximum flavor, you can easily create a crowd-pleasing meal.
Serving tricks such as pairing with a side salad or preparing individual portions elevate the experience, making it ideal for a family dinner or special occasion.
Whether you’re making it ahead for meal prep or serving it fresh from the oven, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
So, next time you're craving something hearty and indulgent, consider whipping up a Meatball Sub Casserole—you won’t regret it!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Meatball Sub Casserole?
A Meatball Sub Casserole is a baked, layered dish inspired by the classic meatball sub sandwich.
It consists of cooked meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all layered over sliced sub rolls or French bread.
It’s similar to a casserole but with the comforting flavors of a meatball sub, making it a convenient and hearty meal.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, store-bought meatballs are a great time-saver and will work perfectly for this dish. Whether frozen or refrigerated, just heat them according to the package instructions before layering them into the casserole.
If you prefer homemade meatballs, that’s a great option as well for a more personalized touch.
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Meatball Sub Casserole up to a day in advance. Simply layer all the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
This makes it an ideal dish for meal prep or for serving at parties. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
If refrigerated, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with it?
This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables provide a light, refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
Garlic bread or crispy fries are also popular options to complement the meal.
