Meet your new go-to comfort food: Meatball Sub Casserole! If you love those hearty, cheesy, saucy subs from your favorite sandwich shop, this recipe delivers all that goodness in a bubbly, baked casserole that’s perfect for sharing. Loaded with pillowy bread, tangy marinara, creamy cheese, and savory meatballs, it turns a classic Italian-American sandwich into a crowd-pleasing, family-style meal that’s just so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight crew or hosting friends for game night, this is the casserole that wows everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Meatball Sub Casserole lies in its simple, flavor-packed ingredients. Each element plays an important role, from the crusty bread base to the melty cheese topping, making every bite unforgettable.
- French bread: Choose a loaf with a nice crust for the perfect base; it soaks up the sauce while staying delightfully chewy.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the casserole that luxuriously creamy layer—let it come to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Mayonnaise: This adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess, blending seamlessly with the other dairy elements.
- Italian seasoning: For that classic herby punch that makes the flavors sing.
- Garlic powder: There’s nothing like a hint of garlic to really round out the taste—simple but essential.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy cheese is what makes this casserole irresistible; don’t skimp!
- Marinara sauce: Go for a good-quality jar or homemade sauce to keep everything bright and robust.
- Frozen fully cooked meatballs: Thawed and ready to go, they save time without sacrificing heartiness; use your favorites or try turkey meatballs for a twist.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, salty finish that browns beautifully.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle at the end adds color and a pop of herby flavor.
How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange your French bread slices in a single snug layer on the bottom of the dish. This forms that iconic, hearty foundation reminiscent of a classic sub roll but with extra oven-baked goodness!
Step 2: Mix and Spread the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until utterly smooth. This mixture gives the casserole its signature creaminess—don’t rush this step! Dollop and spread the mixture evenly over all the bread slices so that every bite gets a taste.
Step 3: First Cheese Layer
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the creamy base. This first cheesy layer melts into all the nooks and crannies, creating those gooey pockets we all dream of in a perfect Meatball Sub Casserole.
Step 4: Add the Meatballs and Sauce
In a separate bowl, gently toss the thawed meatballs with your jarred or homemade marinara sauce until every meatball is saucy and ready. Spoon this mixture right over the cheese layer—go for even distribution so that every portion features those juicy, tomato-bathed meatballs.
Step 5: Top with More Cheese
Now comes the extra-delicious part! Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan evenly over the meatballs and sauce. This will give you that golden, bubbly topping everyone fights for at the dinner table.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop your baking dish into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and golden with sauce bubbling around the edges. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes once out of the oven—this helps the layers set a bit for easier serving.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like a little herby lift (it also looks gorgeous). Slice, scoop, and dig in while it’s warm!
How to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a gusty handful of fresh parsley, or try some torn fresh basil for even more flavor and flair. For true sub-shop vibes, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving. Those finishing touches make every plate a little more special.
Side Dishes
Meatball Sub Casserole is hearty on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil, or some roasted veggies for a pop of color. A few crunchy garlic breadsticks or a bright cucumber salad never hurt either—just keep the sides light to let your main dish shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn your Meatball Sub Casserole into a dinner party showstopper? Try scooping generous portions onto toasted hoagie rolls for a hand-held, over-the-top sandwich experience. Or, cut into small squares and serve on a platter with long toothpicks for the ultimate game-day appetizer. However you style it, you’ll rack up serious points for creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, maintaining all those delicious layers and flavors.
Freezing
This Meatball Sub Casserole is fantastic for freezing. Assemble completely but don’t bake; wrap tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as normal.
Reheating
To reheat, cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works fine—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have homemade or leftover meatballs, just make sure they’re fully cooked and similar in size to standard frozen meatballs for even heating. It’s a great way to add your own special touch.
Can I make Meatball Sub Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How do I keep the bread base from getting soggy?
For extra insurance, lightly toast your bread slices before assembling the casserole, or leave the bread out for a couple hours to let it dry out. Either way, the creamy layer acts as a buffer and keeps things deliciously balanced.
What’s the best bread to use for Meatball Sub Casserole?
A traditional French bread or Italian loaf works best for this recipe, as they both offer a great chewy texture but hold up well to the sauce and cheese. Avoid bread that’s too soft so you don’t end up with a mushy base.
Can I add veggies to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to layer in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms before the meatballs for a little extra nutrition and flavor. Just cook the vegetables first so they don’t release too much moisture during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a big warm hug, Meatball Sub Casserole is here for you. Make it once, and it’ll instantly earn a spot in your regular rotation—don’t be surprised if everyone fights for seconds! Give it a try and watch your table light up with smiles.
Print
Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Meatball Sub Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make twist on the classic meatball sub. Layers of French bread, creamy cheese mixture, marinara-coated meatballs, and gooey melted cheese come together for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
French Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Meatball Layer:
- 1 (28 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (24 oz) package frozen fully cooked meatballs, thawed
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange bread slices in the dish.
- Mix Cheese: Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Spread over bread.
- Add Layers: Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella over cheese mixture. Combine meatballs with marinara, then spread over cheese. Top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a toasted base, lightly toast the bread slices before assembling.
- You can use homemade or turkey meatballs if preferred.
- Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
