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Easy Cheesy Dump-and-Bake Meatball Sub Casserole

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A quick and comforting casserole combining tender meatballs, gooey cheese, and soft bread soaked in marinara sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 small or 12 large frozen cooked meatballs, thawed (Italian-style preferred)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 6 sub rolls or hoagie buns, cut into halves or thirds (day-old bread preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it warm through, then remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine thawed meatballs with about 2 cups of the warmed sauce to coat evenly.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the sub roll pieces in a single layer, cut side up.
  5. Spoon the meatballs and sauce evenly over the bread layer, allowing the bread to soak up some sauce.
  6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese evenly over the top. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use slightly stale sub rolls to prevent sogginess. Warming the sauce with garlic enhances flavor. Covering with foil during the first baking stage traps steam and keeps the casserole moist. You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate; add extra baking time if baking from cold. For extra zing, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sub casserole, dump and bake, easy casserole, cheesy meatball bake, weeknight dinner, comfort food, family meal

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