We’re all about creating our personal family recipes, and this Meatball Sub Casserole recipe is one of our most popular. This meatball recipe was originally inspired by how well it goes together with the Italian bread rolls but we’ve made some improvements to it!
It comes together in just about 30 minutes! The casserole normally lasts for a few days which makes it a great quick meal to throw together at the last minute.
This Meatball Sub Casserole isn’t just any ordinary dish. It’s the perfect companion for game day festivities, making it an ideal addition to your football food lineup. The savory aromas wafting through your home will have everyone eagerly awaiting kickoff. Each bite will transport you to flavor heaven as you savor the essence of a classic meatball sub, but with the convenience and simplicity of a casserole.
Are you a vegetarian or hosting friends who prefer a meatless option? No worries! This versatile casserole can easily accommodate your dietary preferences. Simply switch out the meatballs for vegetarian-friendly alternatives, readily available in most grocery stores. The result? A vegetarian version of this scrumptious dish that will please even the most discerning palate.
Looking to plan ahead for a busy day? You’re in luck! This Meatball Sub Casserole can be prepared a day in advance and conveniently stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want a mouthwatering meal that will impress your loved ones or guests.
How do you keep meatball subs from getting soggy?
To prevent meatball subs from getting soggy, here are some tips:
- Toast the bread: Toasting the bread before assembling the sandwich can help create a barrier between the bread and the meatballs, preventing the bread from getting too soggy.
- Use a sturdy bread: Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the moisture of the meatballs and sauce, such as a ciabatta or baguette.
- Add the sauce sparingly: Add the sauce to the meatballs sparingly, so that the bread doesn’t get too soaked.
- Drain excess liquid: If the meatballs have a lot of liquid or grease, drain it off before assembling the sandwich.
- Serve immediately: Serve the meatball sub immediately after assembling, so that the bread doesn’t have time to get too soggy.
What to serve with Meatball Sub casserole?
Alongside this meal, a Caesar salad would be a great option. Although the bubble up bake already has bread in it, if you’re looking for more garlicky goodness, you can serve it with cheesy garlic bread which is the go-to bread option for the author’s family.
Meatball Sub Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package frozen garlic bread
- 2 24 ounce jars spaghetti sauce
- 40 Italian-style frozen meatballs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Heat garlic bread with spread side up on a baking sheet in the preheated oven until warm and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring spaghetti sauce to a boil in a large pot. Place frozen meatballs into sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer until meatballs are heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Tear garlic bread into bite-size pieces and spread into bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour spaghetti sauce and meatballs over garlic bread, coating bread with sauce and distributing meatballs evenly. Spread mozzarella cheese over top in a layer, followed by a layer of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake casserole until cheese has melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
Casseroles are a great comfort food. They are easy to make in advance, but also can be made on a weeknight after work. The Meatball Sub Casserole has just the right mix of toppings, meatballs and cheese to satisfy any hearty appetite. Whether you are looking for something different to feed your family or friends, or hosting an event and need a crowd-pleasing dish, this will fit the bill!
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