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Meatball Sub Casserole

Transform meatball subs into this meatball sub casserole for a fast and simple weeknight dinner. This quick-to-assemble dish features peppers and onions, a blend of cheese, and Italian bread slices.

A fork holding up a meatball from a plate of meatball sub casserole.
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Another easy casserole dish is this Ravioli Casserole, another simple casserole the whole family will enjoy and it's great for picky eaters. Either one of these dishes pairs well with garlic bread or crusty bread.

Birdseye view of melted cheese on top of meatballs in a casserole.

Ingredients in Meatball Sub Casserole

  • frozen meatballs, thawed
  • mozzarella cheese
  • Italian Bread slices
  • mayonnaise
  • cream cheese, softened
  • Italian seasoning
  • ground pepper
  • marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce of choice
  • water
  • red and green bell peppers
  • diced onions
  • grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole

This recipe is a super easy casserole dish perfect for busy weeknights. Here's how to make it. 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a 13x9 baking dish, place the Italian Bread slices in a single layer on the bottom of the dish.
  3. Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the slices.
  5. Spread half of the mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese.
  6. Sprinkle the peppers and onion mixture onto the cheese.
  7. Combine the thawed meatballs, water, and the pasta sauce in a large bowl.
  8. Evenly layer the meatball mixture in the casserole dish.
  9. Layer the remaining cheese on top of the sauce.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browning.

Allow the casserole to cool before storing it an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.  For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. 

Top view of a meat ball sub casserole in a dish with a salad on the side.

Quick Tips for Making A Meatball Sub Casserole

  • Use pre-made frozen meatballs to save time on preparation. If using homemade meatballs cook them first. 
  • Texas toast is a great alternative to Italian bread and is a can of biscuits. 
  • Allow the cream cheese to soften before combining it with the spices.
  • Add panko crumbs to the top of the casserole for an extra touch of delicious crunch - a ½ cup panko is optional.  
A meatball sub casserole in a white dish with a plate of salad.

FAQ's for Meatball Sub Bake

What type of bread should I use for Meatball Sub Casserole? 

Italian Bread, French Bread, and Texas Toast are thick enough to hold up while baking as they are dense and sturdy.

Can I make Meatball Sub Casserole ahead of time? 

This simple casserole is a great recipe to make ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as directed in the recipe, wrap it tightly, and store in the refrigerator.  When ready to bake, set the casserole out on the counter and preheat the oven.  Bake for a few extra mixture or until the top of the casserole is golden brown. 

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Toasting the bread slices before layering them in the casserole can help prevent them from getting soggy while baking.  Also, use a thicker bread. 

A serving of meatball sub bake topped with melted cheese.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Impossible Taco Pie is another simple casserole that the whole family will enjoy.  

These Grape Jelly Meatballs is an easy recipe and a fantastic dish as well as one of our favorite meatball recipes. 

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8 servings

Meatball Sub Casserole

A serving of meatball sub bake topped with melted cheese.

Transform meatball subs into a casserole for a fast and simple weeknight dinner. This quick-to-assemble dish features peppers and onions, a blend of cheese, and Italian bread slices.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb frozen meatballs, thawed
  • 3 cups of Mozzarella cheese
  • 6-8 slices of Italian Bread
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 28 oz pasta sauce, of choice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup diced red and green peppers
  • ½ cup diced onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a 13x9 baking dish, place the Italian Bread slices in a single layer on the bottom of the dish.
  3. Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the slices.
  5. Spread half of the mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese.\
  6. Sprinkle the peppers and onion mixture onto the cheese.
  7. Combine the thawed meatballs, water, and the pasta sauce in a large bowl.
  8. Evenly layer the meatball mixture in the casserole dish.
  9. Layer the remaining cheese on top of the sauce.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browning.

Notes

Texas toast and French bread are great substitutions for making this casserole.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 serving

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 604Total Fat: 45gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 1434mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 4gSugar: 11gProtein: 23g

Nutrition calculation is a rough estimate and can vary depending on the cooking technique and the exact ingredients used. For informational purposes only.

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