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If you love meatball subs but want an easier, family-friendly way to enjoy them at home, then this Meatball Sub Casserole is just what you need!

This recipe takes all the best parts of a traditional meatball sub—juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, hearty bread, and gooey melted cheese—and transforms them into a warm, comforting baked casserole.

Meatball Sub Casserole

This Meatball Sub Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings the flavors of a classic sub sandwich to the dinner table in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish for a gathering, this recipe will never disappoint. Try it today, and get ready to hear your family ask for seconds!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 733 kcal

Ingredients

1 loaf of Italian or French bread cut into thick slices
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 jar marinara sauce
1 bag frozen fully cooked meatballs thawed
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Layer the Bread: Arrange the slices of Italian or French bread in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If necessary, cut the slices into smaller pieces to make them fit snugly.
Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread layer. This will add a rich, creamy texture and extra flavor to the casserole.
Add the Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese mixture. This will help bind the layers together and add a gooey, cheesy texture.
Add Meatballs and Sauce: Evenly distribute the thawed meatballs over the cheese layer. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.
Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. This creates a beautifully golden and bubbly cheesy topping.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Using frozen meatballs and store-bought marinara sauce cuts down on prep time, making this dish a stress-free option for dinner.
Family-Friendly – This dish is packed with cheesy, saucy goodness that both kids and adults will love.
Hearty and Filling – The combination of thick Italian bread, meatballs, and cheese makes for a satisfying meal.
Perfect for Leftovers – This casserole tastes just as good the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.

If you love the classic comfort of a meatball sub but want something even more satisfying, the Meatball Sub Casserole is about to become your new favorite dish. It combines all the rich, cheesy, saucy goodness of a traditional meatball sub but in an easy-to-make, family-friendly casserole. Plus, there’s a simple trick that takes it to the next level. Let’s dive in!

What Makes Meatball Sub Casserole So Irresistible?

Perfect Comfort Food: It has crusty bread, flavorful meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and loads of gooey cheese, making every bite a delight.
Quick & Easy: No need to assemble individual subs! Just layer everything in a dish and bake.
Great for Crowds: It’s the ultimate potluck and family dinner dish.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with different types of bread, meatballs, sauces, and cheeses.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and just bake when ready.

The Trick That Makes It Unforgettable

The best-kept secret to making this casserole extra delicious is garlic butter-soaked bread as the base. Instead of just tossing dry bread at the bottom, coat your slices with a mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning before layering them in the dish.

Why This Trick Works?

Enhances flavor – The garlic butter infuses the bread with rich, aromatic goodness.
Prevents sogginess – A dry base can soak up too much sauce, making it mushy. Garlic butter adds a protective, flavorful layer.
Tastes like a gourmet sub – You’ll get that toasty, buttery, crispy bottom that mimics the best part of a meatball sub.

How to Use This Trick in Your Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the garlic butter – Melt 4 tbsp of butter, mix with 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Coat your bread – Use thick slices of French bread or Texas toast, brushing them generously with garlic butter.
Layer the dish – Place the bread in a greased baking dish, top with a cream cheese mixture (for extra richness), then add meatballs, marinara, and plenty of cheese.
Bake to perfection – 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Meatball Sub Casserole: Tips and Serving Tricks

A Meatball Sub Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that transforms the classic sandwich into a baked delight. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this casserole is easy to assemble and can be customized in various ways. Below are tips and serving tricks to make your casserole a hit.

Key Tips for the Perfect Meatball Sub Casserole

1. Bread Choice Matters

Use thick slices of French bread or Texas toast as the base to hold up against the sauce and cheese.
Toasting the bread lightly before assembling helps prevent sogginess.

2. Choose the Right Meatballs

Homemade meatballs are ideal for flavor control. Use a mix of ground beef, pork, or turkey for a tender bite.
If using frozen meatballs, thaw them slightly for even cooking.

3. Layering for Best Texture

Spread a layer of cream cheese mixture (cream cheese, mayo, and seasonings) on the bread for added creaminess.
Arrange the meatballs evenly so every bite is well-balanced.
Pour marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, but avoid overloading to prevent sogginess.
Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.

4. Bake at the Right Temperature

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.

5. Let it Rest

Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set, making slicing easier.

Tricks for a Crowd

1. Portion Control for Easy Serving

Cut into individual portions before serving to avoid messy scooping.
Use a large spatula to lift servings cleanly.

2. Add a Side Dish

Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Garlic bread or breadsticks make a great side for extra indulgence.

3. Make It a Party Dish

Serve in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch.
Create a DIY topping bar with extra marinara, cheese, or crushed red pepper for customization.

Tips for the Best Meatball Sub Casserole

Use Fresh Bread: While slightly stale bread works fine, fresh Italian or French bread provides the best texture and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Homemade Meatballs: If you have extra time, consider making homemade meatballs for a richer, more authentic taste.
Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese combinations like provolone, gouda, or a sharp cheddar blend for a unique twist.
Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This Meatball Sub Casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

Side Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with extra garlic bread for even more indulgence.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots adds freshness and crunch.
Pasta: Serve with a side of spaghetti or penne for an extra-filling meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this garlic butter trick, you’ll never make Meatball Sub Casserole any other way. The flavor boost, crispy base, and overall balance of textures make it the best version of this dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this casserole will be a guaranteed hit!