If you love the comforting, hearty flavors of a classic sub sandwich but crave an easy, shareable way to enjoy them at home, this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is just what you need. Imagine all the tender meatballs, rich spaghetti sauce, creamy seasoned spread, and melty cheese layered over crusty bread, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the ultimate cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want that satisfying sandwich flavor with way less fuss. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for feeding a crowd with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of familiar ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color without any complicated shopping list. Each component plays a role in turning simple pantry staples into a crave-worthy dish everyone will love.
- French bread (1 loaf): Provides a sturdy, crusty base that crisps up perfectly in the oven while soaking up all those delicious sauces.
- Cream cheese (12 oz, softened): Adds a rich, creamy layer that balances the tangy sauce and melts smoothly over the bread.
- Italian seasoning (1½ tsp): Brings aromatic herbs that infuse the cream cheese with classic Italian flavors.
- Frozen meatballs (1 lb, thawed): The star protein of the dish, offering tender, savory bites that everyone enjoys without extra prep.
- Spaghetti sauce (24 oz jar): Makes the casserole saucy and flavorful, tying together the bread and meatballs with familiar tomato goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that adds richness and irresistible stretchiness to every serving.
How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the bread base
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF, so it’s ready for baking later. Slice your French bread into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them in a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole pan, creating a rustic and crispy foundation for your casserole.
Step 2: Make the creamy herb spread
Next, combine the softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning in a bowl until smooth and fragrant. This mixture will transform that simple bread into a luscious, flavorful layer that complements the bold meatballs and sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Layer the meatballs
Chop the thawed meatballs into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful is balanced with tender meat. Sprinkle the chopped meatballs evenly over the cream cheese spread, giving every slice that satisfying meaty richness.
Step 4: Add sauce and cheese
Pour the spaghetti sauce over the meatball layer, distributing it evenly so the bread soaks up the tangy tomato flavor. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top for the gooey, bubbly goodness that brings it all together.
Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. This finishing touch locks in all the layers, creating a warm, inviting meal ready to serve.
How to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a bright burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes that contrast beautifully with the rich casserole. For an extra punch, a little grated Parmesan on top before serving can elevate flavors and provide a salty finish that cheese lovers will adore.
Side Dishes
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its hearty nature without overpowering it. Consider a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even a cup of steaming soup for a well-rounded meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe even more fun, try serving it in individual ramekins for a personal portion. Alternatively, add a swirl of pesto drizzle or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a visually stunning and flavorful twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it tightly sealed preserves moisture so the bread doesn’t get too dry, letting you enjoy the hearty flavors even the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your meatball sub casserole in the oven at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese becomes melty again. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings, though the oven will help retain the crispy textures better.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a special touch of love and allow you to control the seasoning. Just be sure they are fully cooked before assembling the casserole to ensure perfect timing in the oven.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the French bread for a gluten-free version or use gluten-free rolls sliced to fit. Make sure the spaghetti sauce and meatballs are also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
You can assemble this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
You can use ricotta cheese or a mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream to maintain the creamy texture, though cream cheese offers the best balance of tang and richness for this dish.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe tends to be mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage meatballs to kick up the heat if you like a spicier bite.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe is the perfect bridge between comfort food nostalgia and easy, hassle-free cooking. It transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast that tastes like it took hours to prepare but actually comes together in less than 40 minutes. I can’t recommend enough that you try making this for your next gathering or cozy night in. Once you do, it’ll become a treasured recipe in your rotation that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Meatball Sub Casserole that layers sliced French bread with creamy seasoned cream cheese, chopped meatballs, rich spaghetti sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, delivering all the flavors of a classic meatball sub in a convenient baked dish.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 (16-oz) loaf French bread
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
Meatball Topping
- 1 lb frozen meatballs, thawed
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the Bread Base: Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer that will hold the toppings.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the sliced bread to add a flavorful creamy base.
- Add Meatballs and Sauce: Chop the thawed meatballs into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them over the cream cheese layer. Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the meatballs to infuse the dish with rich, tangy flavors.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese has melted and turned golden in spots.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil on top before serving.
- You can use homemade meatballs or different sauces like marinara or tomato basil for variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier spreading and better texture.
- If you want a crispier bread base, lightly toast the bread slices before assembling the casserole.
