Description
This Meatball Sub Casserole brings together buttery garlic bread, tender beef meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and layers of creamy melted cheese in one comforting baked dish. It delivers the familiar flavor of a classic meatball sub in an easy casserole format that is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or make ahead meals. The layers bake together into a warm, hearty dish that slices easily and satisfies every bite.
Ingredients
Frozen garlic bread loaf such as Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread, New York Bakery Garlic Bread, or Alexia Garlic Bread
Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, softened
Miracle Whip
Italian seasoning
Sargento Mozzarella or Tillamook Mozzarella, shredded and divided
Red pasta sauce, any preferred flavor
Fully cooked beef meatballs, fresh or thawed
Fresh oregano, chopped
Cooking spray
Instructions
Bake the garlic bread according to the package directions until golden, then set it aside to cool slightly
Adjust the oven temperature to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Miracle Whip, and Italian seasoning until well combined with a slightly textured consistency
Cut the garlic bread into pieces and arrange a single layer across the bottom of the baking dish
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the bread
Spread the cream cheese mixture gently over the cheese layer
Add half of the pasta sauce and spread it evenly across the surface
Arrange the beef meatballs in a single layer over the sauce
Top with the remaining pasta sauce and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese
Bake uncovered until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the meatballs are heated through
Remove from the oven, allow it to rest briefly, then garnish with fresh oregano before serving
Notes
Lightly toasting the garlic bread helps maintain texture and prevents sogginess
Letting the casserole rest before serving makes slicing cleaner and keeps layers intact
Mozzarella melts best when freshly shredded for a smoother finish
Large meatballs can be halved for more even distribution
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready
- Prep Time: ten minutes
- Cook Time: fifty minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American