Meatball Sub Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Craving a meatball sub but want something easier to make and perfect for a crowd? Look no further than this meatball sub casserole! It’s the perfect combination of classic flavors, cheesy goodness, and effortless preparation. This recipe takes everything you love about a meatball sub and transforms it into a comforting, shareable casserole that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Forget individual sandwiches; this is the future of meatball enjoyment!
## Why You’ll Love This Meatball Sub Casserole
* **Easy to Make:** Seriously, this recipe is a breeze. Minimal prep time and simple instructions make it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Whether you’re hosting a party or just feeding a hungry family, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add different veggies, cheeses, or sauces to create your own unique version.
* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** Warm, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they reheat beautifully.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these ingredients. Don’t worry, most of them are pantry staples!
* **Frozen Meatballs:** 24-30, fully cooked (Italian style is recommended)
* **Sub Rolls:** 6-8 large sub rolls, sliced in half horizontally
* **Marinara Sauce:** 24-32 ounces (your favorite brand or homemade)
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2-3 cups, shredded
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
* **Fresh Basil:** Chopped, for garnish (optional)
* **Optional Add-ins:** Sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, pepperoni
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** This is the perfect size for a standard casserole.
* **Large Skillet or Saucepan:** For heating the marinara sauce.
* **Cutting Board:** For slicing the sub rolls.
* **Knife:** For slicing and dicing.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Mixing Bowl (optional):** If you’re adding extra veggies, you might want a bowl to toss them with olive oil and seasonings.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious meatball sub casserole.
**Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce**
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
**Step 2: Assemble the Casserole**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Slice the sub rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
**Step 3: Add the Meatballs and Sauce**
Pour a generous amount of marinara sauce over the bottom halves of the sub rolls, ensuring they are well coated. If using any optional add-ins like sliced bell peppers or onions, sprinkle them over the sauce.
Arrange the frozen meatballs evenly over the sauce-covered rolls. Make sure they are spaced out so that each serving gets a good portion of meatballs.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, coating them completely.
**Step 4: Cheese It Up!**
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
**Step 5: Bake to Perfection**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired. Cut the casserole into squares or rectangles and serve warm. Enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Meatball Options:** While Italian-style meatballs are classic, you can use any type of meatball you prefer. Try using turkey meatballs for a lighter option, or even vegetarian meatballs for a meat-free version.
* **Bread Choices:** If you don’t have sub rolls, you can use other types of bread, such as French bread, Italian bread, or even thick slices of Texas toast. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the sauce and meatballs.
* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious in this casserole.
* **Spice It Up:** For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinara sauce, or use a spicy marinara sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeños to the casserole before baking.
* **Add Veggies:** Bulk up the casserole with extra vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be great additions. Add them to the sauce or sprinkle them over the rolls before adding the meatballs.
* **Garlic Bread Crust:** For an extra-flavorful twist, brush the top halves of the sub rolls with garlic butter and bake them separately until golden brown. Then, place them on top of the casserole after it’s finished baking.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.
## Serving Suggestions
This meatball sub casserole is a meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich casserole.
* **Garlic Bread:** Because you can never have too much garlic bread!
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the savory casserole.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Potato Chips:** For a more casual meal, serve the casserole with a side of potato chips.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* **Serving Size:** 1 square (approximately 1/6 of the casserole)
* **Calories:** 450-550
* **Fat:** 25-35g
* **Saturated Fat:** 10-15g
* **Cholesterol:** 80-100mg
* **Sodium:** 800-1000mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 35-45g
* **Fiber:** 2-4g
* **Sugar:** 10-15g
* **Protein:** 25-30g
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?**
A: Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will add even more flavor to the casserole. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.
**Q: Can I use a different type of sauce?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of tomato-based sauce you like. Pesto could be interesting, but it would no longer be a ‘meatball sub’ casserole.
**Q: Can I add other toppings?**
A: Of course! Feel free to add any toppings you enjoy on your meatball subs, such as sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or pepperoni.
**Q: How do I prevent the bottom of the casserole from getting soggy?**
A: To prevent the bottom from getting soggy, make sure to lightly grease the baking dish and don’t over-saturate the bread with sauce. You can also toast the bottom halves of the sub rolls lightly before assembling the casserole.
**Q: How long will leftovers last?**
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
**Q: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?**
A: While it’s not ideal, you *could* adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted. However, the bread may become quite soft.
## Conclusion
This meatball sub casserole is a delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a recipe that anyone can make. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!