Meatball Sub Casserole
If you’ve been craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, look no further: this Meatball Sub Casserole is a weeknight game changer that earns rave reviews every time. With layers of crispy garlic bread, creamy cheese, flavorful meatballs, and plenty of ooey-gooey mozzarella, it’s every bit as satisfying as your favorite sub shop treat, only easier to serve to a crowd. The not-so-secret tip? Line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread — it transforms everything with a satisfying crunch and garlic-rich base you’ll dream about for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a few straightforward ingredients build such bold, crave-worthy results. Each item is thoughtfully chosen for its role in taste, texture, or luscious layers, so nothing is extra or unnecessary.
- Frozen garlic bread: Brings buttery flavor and crunch when you line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread.
- Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and gives a little tangy lift, especially when slightly melty.
- Miracle Whip: This classic spread lightens the cream cheese and adds subtle sweetness.
- Italian seasoning: Herbs round out the filling and boost those cozy Italian sub-shop vibes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For stretchy, gooey, melty goodness in every bite.
- Red pasta sauce: Your favorite jar is perfect—tomato basil, marinara, or even something a little spicy all work beautifully.
- Cooked meatballs: Use homemade or store-bought; just make sure they’re already cooked through for easy assembly.
- Chopped fresh oregano: An optional finishing touch that adds brightness and a pop of green.
How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Bread
First, set your oven according to the garlic bread package instructions and bake it to a golden, crisp perfection. This step is key because when you line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread, you want it sturdy enough to handle all the glorious casserole layers to come. Set the bread aside after baking so it’s ready to be the backbone of your dish.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Spread
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Miracle Whip, and Italian seasoning. There’s no need to obsess over a perfectly smooth texture—a few bits of cream cheese here and there only add character and decadence once baked. This layer will melt into the garlic bread, creating the ultimate dreamy bite.
Step 3: Line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread
Spray your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Arrange the cooked garlic bread in a single layer to completely cover the bottom. This step sets the tone: line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread and you’ll have the most mouthwatering base, delivering that unmistakable sub-sandwich satisfaction with every slice.
Step 4: Build the Layers
Scatter half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the garlic bread. Next, gently spread the cream cheese mixture on top—it’s okay if you can’t get every inch perfectly covered, just try to distribute it well. Pour about half of your pasta sauce over the cream cheese layer, making sure it reaches all the corners. Then add your cooked meatballs in a single layer, nestling them cozily into the sauce. Finish with the rest of the pasta sauce and the remaining mozzarella for an irresistibly cheesy top.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Slide the assembled casserole into a 350°F oven (make sure to adjust the temp if you cranked it up for the garlic bread!) and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. When the cheese is bubbly and golden and those meatballs are hot all the way through, you know you’ve nailed it.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Give your masterpiece a 5-minute rest out of the oven so the layers set up a little and it’s easier to serve. If you’re a fresh herb fan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh oregano adds color and a burst of flavor right before digging in.
How to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole
Garnishes
For a sprinkle of classic Italian flair, shower with a bit more fresh oregano, torn basil, or even a grating of Parmesan. Each bite gets extra savoriness and a pop of green that makes the whole casserole look even more irresistible when line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread is your star move.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, steamed green beans, or a simple Italian chopped salad. They provide a fresh contrast to the cheesy, saucy richness piled perfected atop when you line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have some fun, slice the casserole into generous squares and serve them in parchment paper “sub wrappers.” Or, portion smaller bites for a party platter—folks will go wild for portable meatball sub squares where you line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread for extra finger food flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The crust when you line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread actually stays delightfully flavorful, even as it soaks up sauce overnight.
Freezing
If you know you’ll want to save some for later, assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. You’ll be grateful to have a homemade meal ready to pop in the oven after a busy day—no need to thaw, just add a little bake time if it’s going straight from freezer to oven.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until piping hot and cheese is melted again—usually about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works great, but to get the crust crisp, a little time in the oven or toaster oven is like bringing fresh-from-the-oven magic back to the layers you built when you line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs are delicious here—just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the casserole. This can add a deeply personal touch, especially if you have a beloved meatball recipe in your family.
What can I use instead of Miracle Whip?
If you prefer, you can substitute mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt for the Miracle Whip. Each creates a slightly different taste in the creamy layer, so use what you like best.
Is it okay to make this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing in the oven to ensure even heating throughout.
What if I can’t find frozen garlic bread?
If frozen garlic bread is hard to find, you can use bakery garlic bread or even make your own: just toast slices of French or Italian bread brushed with melted butter and plenty of garlic powder, then line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread as usual.
Can I add veggies to this casserole?
Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be tucked into the layers right after the sauce for extra flavor and a veggie boost. Just remember to cook off any extra moisture so the crust stays deliciously crisp where you line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread.
Final Thoughts
If you love cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, this Meatball Sub Casserole is the answer—especially when you line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread for that irresistible crunch and garlic-butter punch. Give it a go and share it with friends or family; I guarantee the pan will be scraped clean before you know it!
Print
Line bottom of baking dish with a single layer of cooked garlic bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on the classic meatball sub, this Meatball Sub Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. Layers of garlic bread, creamy cheese mixture, savory meatballs, and gooey mozzarella come together for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf frozen garlic bread (roughly 10 to 14 ounces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup miracle whip
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 23 ounces red pasta sauce, any flavor, divided
- 24 meatballs, cooked, fresh or thawed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
Instructions
- Bake Garlic Bread: Bake the garlic bread per package directions and set aside.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, miracle whip, and Italian seasoning until combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer the baked garlic bread, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese mixture, pasta sauce, meatballs, and remaining mozzarella in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and meatballs are heated through.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh oregano.
- Serve: Serve the Meatball Sub Casserole as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Meatball Sub Casserole, Meatball Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe
