Introduction: Can a Classic Sub Sandwich Become a Cozy Casserole in Just 30 Minutes?
Craving the bold, cheesy flavors of a meatball sub but want a quick, shareable dish for the whole family? The Meatball Submarine Casserole is your answer! This recipe transforms frozen Italian meatballs, garlicky sourdough bread, and rich pasta sauce into a bubbly, cheesy casserole topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. Wondering how to create this diner-style comfort food at home in just 30 minutes for a hearty dinner for four? Follow along, and I’ll guide you through every step to make this easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or cozy gatherings!
Overview: Why This Recipe Rocks
The Meatball Submarine Casserole is a quick, indulgent twist on the classic meatball sub, combining savory meatballs, tangy sauce, and melty cheese in a convenient casserole form. It’s comforting, shareable, and comes together fast. Here’s why it’s a standout:
- Time Requirement: About 30 minutes total (15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Super easy! If you can toast bread and toss ingredients, you’re set.
- Why It’s Awesome: This casserole is budget-friendly, uses convenient frozen meatballs, and delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal effort. It’s versatile (swap sauces or cheese to your taste), serves 4 generously, and is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Plus, it’s a one-dish bake, so cleanup is a breeze!
With its golden, cheesy top and saucy interior, this casserole is as tempting to look at as it is to eat. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
To make Meatball Submarine Casserole for 4 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this comforting dish:
- Frozen Fully Cooked Italian Meatballs (1 package, 12 oz): Convenient, savory protein that’s the star of the dish.
- Sourdough Bread (4 slices): Adds a tangy, chewy base with a toasted crunch.
- Olive Oil (1½ tsp): Enhances the bread’s flavor and helps it toast.
- Garlic Clove (1, halved): Infuses the bread with subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Pasta Sauce with Mushrooms (1½ cups): Brings rich, savory depth to the casserole.
- Shredded Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup, divided): Adds gooey, melty texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, divided): Provides nutty, salty flavor.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Meatballs: Swap with homemade meatballs, turkey meatballs, or plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian option.
- Bread: Use Italian bread, French bread, or gluten-free bread for a different texture or dietary need.
- Pasta Sauce: Try marinara, spicy arrabbiata, or a meaty pasta sauce without mushrooms.
- Cheese: Replace mozzarella with provolone or cheddar, and Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free alternative.
- Add-Ons: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra veggies, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb: Swap bread for zucchini slices or cauliflower florets for a lighter base.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The meatballs provide protein, while the cheeses add calcium and richness. The bread and sauce offer carbs and savory flavor, making this a balanced, indulgent meal that’s perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make Meatball Submarine Casserole step by step. It’s so simple, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
Step 1: Prep the Meatballs
- Preheat your broiler to high.
- Place 1 package (12 oz) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on high, covered, for 4-6 minutes until heated through.
Tip: Stir halfway through microwaving to ensure even heating, and drain any excess liquid.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
- Place 4 slices sourdough bread on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Brush one side of each slice with 1½ tsp olive oil (total).
- Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Rub the toasted side of each slice with the cut side of 1 halved garlic clove; discard the garlic.
- Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a greased 11×7-inch baking dish.
Tip: Watch the bread closely under the broiler to avoid burning, and tear into roughly 1-inch pieces for a rustic texture.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
- Reduce the oven setting to 350°F.
Tip: Adjust the oven temperature right after broiling to streamline cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine the heated meatballs with 1½ cups pasta sauce with mushrooms, ¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Pour the meatball mixture over the bread pieces in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Tip: Spread the meatballs and sauce evenly to ensure every bite has bread, sauce, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish.
Tip: Let the casserole rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to make scooping easier.
Assembly: Serving the Perfect Casserole
Your Meatball Submarine Casserole is ready to delight! Here’s how to make it look as comforting as it tastes:
- Serving: Scoop generous portions onto plates, ensuring each serving gets a mix of saucy meatballs, cheesy topping, and garlicky bread. Serve family-style from the baking dish for a cozy vibe.
- Presentation Tips:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve in shallow bowls or on plates with a rim to hold the saucy goodness.
- Use a large spoon to highlight the layers of meatballs, sauce, and cheese.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted zucchini. A glass of iced tea, red wine like Chianti, or sparkling water with lemon complements the Italian flavors.
Pro Tip: For a fun game night or party, serve with small forks or picks for easy, shareable bites, and offer extra pasta sauce for dipping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Meatball Submarine Casserole is great for leftovers and meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The bread may soften over time, so reheat carefully to maintain texture.
- Freezing:
- Freeze the baked casserole in portions or the assembled (unbaked) casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or baking.
- Cover tightly with foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating:
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes (covered for the first half to retain moisture).
- Or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, though the bread may soften.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Toast bread and prep meatballs up to a day ahead; store separately in the fridge.
- Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- Measure cheeses and sauce ahead to streamline prep.
Tip: Add fresh cheese or a drizzle of sauce after reheating for a vibrant, melty finish.
Recipe Variations
The Meatball Submarine Casserole is super versatile. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian meatballs or add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Add ½ cup extra mozzarella or mix in provolone for more gooeyness.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the meatballs.
- Vegetarian: Swap meatballs for plant-based meatballs or grilled eggplant slices.
- Pesto Twist: Mix 2 tbsp pesto into the pasta sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Low-Carb: Replace bread with roasted zucchini slices or cauliflower florets.
Experiment with what’s in your pantry to make it your own!
Conclusion: A Cozy, Cheesy Classic
The Meatball Submarine Casserole is a quick, indulgent meal that brings the flavors of a meatball sub to your table in just 30 minutes. With savory meatballs, garlicky sourdough, and melty cheeses, it’s a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or cozy gatherings. Try it as is or add your own spin—maybe some extra veggies or spice? Share your creations with us! Grab your baking dish, preheat that broiler, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
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Meatball Submarine Casserole
Description
Craving the bold, cheesy flavors of a meatball sub but want a quick, shareable dish for the whole family? The Meatball Submarine Casserole is your answer! This recipe transforms frozen Italian meatballs, garlicky sourdough bread, and rich pasta sauce into a bubbly, cheesy casserole topped with mozzarella and Parmesan
Ingredients
To make Meatball Submarine Casserole for 4 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this comforting dish:
- Frozen Fully Cooked Italian Meatballs (1 package, 12 oz): Convenient, savory protein that’s the star of the dish.
- Sourdough Bread (4 slices): Adds a tangy, chewy base with a toasted crunch.
- Olive Oil (1½ tsp): Enhances the bread’s flavor and helps it toast.
- Garlic Clove (1, halved): Infuses the bread with subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Pasta Sauce with Mushrooms (1½ cups): Brings rich, savory depth to the casserole.
- Shredded Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup, divided): Adds gooey, melty texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, divided): Provides nutty, salty flavor.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Meatballs: Swap with homemade meatballs, turkey meatballs, or plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian option.
- Bread: Use Italian bread, French bread, or gluten-free bread for a different texture or dietary need.
- Pasta Sauce: Try marinara, spicy arrabbiata, or a meaty pasta sauce without mushrooms.
- Cheese: Replace mozzarella with provolone or cheddar, and Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free alternative.
- Add-Ons: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra veggies, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb: Swap bread for zucchini slices or cauliflower florets for a lighter base.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The meatballs provide protein, while the cheeses add calcium and richness. The bread and sauce offer carbs and savory flavor, making this a balanced, indulgent meal that’s perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Meatballs
- Preheat your broiler to high.
- Place 1 package (12 oz) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on high, covered, for 4-6 minutes until heated through.
Tip: Stir halfway through microwaving to ensure even heating, and drain any excess liquid.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
- Place 4 slices sourdough bread on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Brush one side of each slice with 1½ tsp olive oil (total).
- Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Rub the toasted side of each slice with the cut side of 1 halved garlic clove; discard the garlic.
- Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a greased 11×7-inch baking dish.
Tip: Watch the bread closely under the broiler to avoid burning, and tear into roughly 1-inch pieces for a rustic texture.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
- Reduce the oven setting to 350°F.
Tip: Adjust the oven temperature right after broiling to streamline cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine the heated meatballs with 1½ cups pasta sauce with mushrooms, ¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Pour the meatball mixture over the bread pieces in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Tip: Spread the meatballs and sauce evenly to ensure every bite has bread, sauce, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish.
Tip: Let the casserole rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to make scooping easier
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread and ensure the meatballs and pasta sauce are gluten-free (check labels).
2. How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap meatballs for plant-based meatballs or grilled veggies like eggplant or zucchini.
3. What are the health benefits of this casserole?
This dish offers protein from meatballs and cheese, and moderate carbs from bread and sauce. Pair with a veggie side for a balanced meal.
4. Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Use 12 oz cooked homemade meatballs; heat through before mixing with sauce.
5. How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the bread well under the broiler, and don’t oversauce the casserole. Store leftovers with bread separate if possible.
6. Can I use a different baking dish?
Yes! Use a similar-sized dish (about 2 quarts, like a 9×9-inch or 10×6-inch) and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
7. How long does it take to make this casserole?
Prep takes about 15 minutes (toasting bread and prepping meatballs), and baking takes 15-18 minutes, so you’re done in about 30 minutes.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Baking time may increase slightly; check for melted cheese.