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
Scale
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.
