Indulge in Comfort with our Delicious Meatball Sub Casserole!

Craving the flavors of a classic meatball sub but want something a little more substantial? Look no further than our mouthwatering Meatball Sub Casserole! This easy-to-make dish takes all the delicious components of a traditional meatball sub and transforms them into a hearty and comforting casserole that the whole family will love. With layers of French bread, creamy cheese, savory meatballs, and zesty marinara sauce, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this irresistible dish!

Ingredients:

• Loaf of French bread or yours
• Butter or margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 8 oz of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 pound of frozen, fully cooked, thawed Italian meatballs
• 1 can Hunts Spaghetti Sauce (any flavor)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Bread:

• Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Spread butter or margarine on both sides of each slice and sprinkle with garlic salt. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Layer the Casserole:

• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish.
• Arrange the thawed Italian meatballs on top of the cream cheese mixture.
• Pour the Hunts Spaghetti Sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it completely.

5. Bake the Casserole:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Slice into squares and serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Customize the Bread: Feel free to use your favorite type of bread for this casserole, such as Italian bread, ciabatta, or even garlic bread for extra flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content of the casserole by adding thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms between the layers.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick of flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

• Low-Carb Bread Option: Substitute the French bread with low-carb alternatives such as almond flour bread or cloud bread to reduce the carbohydrate content of the casserole.
• Keto-Friendly Sauce: Choose a low-carb marinara sauce or make your own keto-friendly tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs to keep the casserole keto-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Just make sure they are fully cooked before layering them in the casserole.
2. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
   • Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
   • This Meatball Sub Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Our Meatball Sub Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with loved ones. With its layers of bread, creamy cheese, savory meatballs, and tangy marinara sauce, it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, with our keto and low-carb variations, everyone can enjoy this delicious meal. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite in no time!