Experience the comforting flavors of a classic meatball sub transformed into an incredibly easy and satisfying casserole. This Meatball Sub Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a family favorite that brings joy to any dinner table, blending convenience with irresistible taste.

Ultimate Meatball Sub Casserole: Your New Family Favorite

Who doesn’t love a hearty meatball sub? The tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled in crusty bread – it’s pure comfort. Now, imagine capturing all those beloved flavors and transforming them into a super simple, bake-and-serve casserole. Well, folks, your culinary dreams have come true! This Meatball Sub Casserole is a true game-changer, offering all the deliciousness of a classic sub with the ease of a casserole. It quickly became a top request in our household, and we’re confident it will become one in yours too.

This dish stands out not only for its incredible flavor profile but also for its remarkable simplicity. The ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a harmonious blend that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly appealing to even the pickiest eaters. From the moment it emerges from the oven, bubbling and golden, you’ll understand why this casserole is destined to be a family staple for years to come. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

“This was so good! I was looking for a recipe to use some meatballs I had in the freezer. I did not toast the bread in advance, as I wanted it to soak up the sauce, and it was absolutely delicious. That cream cheese mixture truly made it incredibly creamy and rich. So good!”
– Paige

Why You’ll Love This Meatball Sub Casserole

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe utilizes frozen meatballs and readily available ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You’ll spend less time prepping and more time enjoying.
• Unbeatable Flavor: It captures the essence of a classic meatball sub – savory meatballs, tangy marinara, a creamy cheese layer, and perfectly tender bread – all baked into one glorious dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish, simplifying your post-dinner chores.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adaptable to your family’s preferences. Add extra veggies, different cheeses, or a hint of spice to make it your own.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Meatball Sub Casserole

• Meatball Matters: While homemade meatballs certainly add a gourmet touch, this recipe shines with the convenience of quality frozen meatballs. Ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole if you’re using homemade. For frozen meatballs, thawing them completely is crucial for even heating. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or, for a quicker option, spread them on a baking sheet and let them sit at room temperature for an hour or two.
• The Bread Debate – To Toast or Not to Toast?: This is a matter of personal preference!
  • For a **softer, more bread-pudding-like casserole**, don’t toast the Italian or French bread slices beforehand. The bread will absorb more of the sauce and creamy mixture, resulting in a wonderfully moist texture.
  • For a **firmer base with a slight bite**, lightly toast your French or Italian bread slices first. You can do this quickly under a broiler for a minute or two per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. This creates a sturdier foundation that holds up well to the saucy toppings.
• Bread Choices & Variations: Italian or French bread are excellent choices, offering a good balance of chewiness and absorbency. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread, as it can become too soggy. For a delightful twist, consider using thawed garlic Texas toast instead of plain Italian bread. The added garlic flavor truly elevates the dish! Hoagie rolls sliced lengthwise can also work well.
• Cream Cheese Perfection: The cream cheese is key to the delightful creamy layer. It is absolutely vital that your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature. This ensures it mixes smoothly with the mayonnaise and seasonings, preventing any unwelcome lumps and creating a silky-smooth spread.
• Don’t Skip the Mayonnaise: Yes, mayonnaise in a meatball casserole might sound unconventional, but trust the process! It adds an incredible layer of creaminess and a subtle tang that complements the savory meatballs and rich sauce perfectly. It’s a secret ingredient that truly enhances the overall flavor and texture.
• Seasoning Savvy: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. If you don’t have a pre-mixed blend, simply combine equal parts dried basil and dried oregano for a similar effect. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also be a welcome addition to the cream cheese mixture.
• Cheese, Please!: Shredded mozzarella cheese provides that iconic stretchy, melty quality. While pre-shredded works perfectly for convenience, shredding your own from a block often results in a creamier melt. Feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses, such as adding a touch of provolone for a sharper flavor or grated Parmesan for a salty kick.
• Sauce Selection: The pasta sauce forms the heart of this casserole. Choose a good quality marinara or spaghetti sauce that you genuinely enjoy. Brands like Rao’s are excellent but can be pricey; any favorite jarred sauce will work beautifully. You can also doctor up a basic sauce with a little extra garlic, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs if you wish.
• Serving Suggestions: This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp side salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing would provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread, made from any leftover Italian bread slices, is also a fantastic accompaniment to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding some steamed or roasted vegetables.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Meatball Sub Casserole should be covered tightly and refrigerated. It will remain delicious for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through.
• Freezing for Later: This casserole freezes remarkably well after baking. Once cooled completely, cut it into individual portions or wrap the entire dish securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Freezing Before Baking (Untested, but possible): While I haven’t personally tried freezing this meal before cooking, it’s likely possible with some adjustments. If you choose this method, be sure to wrap it exceptionally well. When ready to bake, you will need to significantly increase the baking time and cook it directly from frozen, checking periodically to ensure the center is fully cooked and heated through. Covering it with foil for the initial part of baking will help prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Essential Ingredients for Meatball Sub Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable casserole. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few notes for optimal results:

• Italian or French Bread: One loaf, sliced into roughly 1-inch thick pieces. The key is a bread that can hold up to the sauces without becoming overly soggy. French bread offers a slightly crispier crust, while Italian bread is often softer.
• Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block, softened to room temperature. This is non-negotiable for a smooth, lump-free creamy layer.
• Mayonnaise: ½ cup. This secret ingredient adds an incredible richness and binding quality to the cream cheese mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. A blend of classic Italian herbs that infuses a fragrant, savory depth. If you’re out, a mix of dried oregano and basil works well.
• Pepper: ¼ teaspoon. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for better flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, divided use. Mozzarella is ideal for its excellent melting properties and mild, creamy flavor.
• Frozen Italian Style Meatballs: One standard-sized bag (typically 18-32 ounces), thawed. Choosing Italian-style meatballs enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Pasta Sauce: One 24-ounce jar. Pick your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce; a good quality sauce makes a big difference here.
• Dried Parsley (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.

How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Meatball Sub Casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Bread Base: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your sliced Italian or French bread and arrange the slices in a single layer at the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Don’t worry about perfect alignment; simply fill in any small gaps with smaller bits of bread to create a solid base. If your loaf is wider, you might have a few extra slices, which are perfect for making garlic bread to serve alongside your casserole!



2. Craft the Creamy Layer: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining, which is why softening it is so important!



3. Spread the Creamy Goodness: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire layer of bread slices in the baking dish. Aim for an even coating to ensure every bite gets that delightful creaminess.



4. First Cheese Sprinkle: Sprinkle ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese layer. This will create a wonderful gooey layer that melts beautifully into the bread and creamy mixture.



5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: In a separate bowl, gently mix together your thawed Italian style meatballs and the pasta sauce. Ensure the meatballs are well coated in the sauce. This mixture is the heart of your “meatball sub” experience.



6. Layer the Meatball Mixture: Carefully spoon the meatball and pasta sauce mixture over the cheese layer in the baking dish, spreading it out as evenly as possible. You want a good distribution of meatballs and sauce in every serving.



7. Final Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatball and sauce layer. This final blanket of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust, locking in all the flavors.



8. Bake to Perfection: Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges. If you notice the cheese browning too quickly before the casserole is fully heated through, you can loosely cover the dish with a piece of aluminum foil.



9. Rest, Slice, and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This brief resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley if desired, then slice into generous portions and enjoy your magnificent Meatball Sub Casserole!

Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe Card

Meatball Sub Casserole (+Video)

Meatball Sub Casserole is a super easy casserole dish that tastes like a meatball sub but in casserole form. So good and a family favorite!

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (39 Reviews)

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use
• 1 bag frozen Italian style meatballs, thawed
• 24 ounce jar pasta sauce
• dried parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
2. Arrange bread slices in a single layer in an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill in any gaps with pieces of bread.
3. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise and seasonings. Spread mixture over bread slices.
4. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Gently mix together spaghetti sauce and meatballs. Spoon over cream cheese layer.
6. Sprinkle the top evenly with remaining shredded cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. If you notice it is getting too brown, just loosely cover it with some aluminum foil.
8. Allow to cool for a few minutes then slice and serve.

Video

Notes

• Please refer to my tips and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
• For a firmer bread base, I recommend toasting the bread first. You can place the dish into the oven (on the broiler setting) and toast both sides. It should only take a minute or two.
• Frozen meatball packages come in varying sizes – anywhere from 18 ounces to 32 ounces. This recipe will accommodate most of those sizes. As long as you are grabbing a standard size bag and not a family size bag, it will work.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 579kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 42g | Sodium: 529mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use homemade meatballs for this casserole?

Absolutely! If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked before incorporating them into the casserole. This recipe is designed for ease, so pre-cooked or frozen meatballs (thawed) work best for quick assembly.

What’s the best type of bread for Meatball Sub Casserole?

Italian or French bread, sliced about 1-inch thick, is ideal. Their texture can hold up to the sauce and creamy layers. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it tends to get too soggy. For a fun twist, try thawed garlic Texas toast!

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or cover and reheat in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) until thoroughly heated.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well after baking! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

CRAVING MORE MEATBALL OR SUB-INSPIRED RECIPES?

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Meatball Sub Casserole, you’ll love exploring these other creative and delicious recipes featuring meatballs or inspired by classic subs:

• Meatball Sub Cups
• Meatball Sub on a Stick
• Texas Toast Meatball Subs
• Italian Sub Squares
• Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
• Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
• Crock Pot Honey Garlic Meatballs
• Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
• Homemade Meatballs
• Meatball Alfredo
• Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Originally published: May 2012
Updated photos & Republished: June 2023