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Loaded Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe Easy Comfort Food with Crispy Garlic Bread

loaded meatball sub casserole - featured image

A comforting casserole that combines tender meatballs, melty cheese, tangy marinara, and a crispy garlic bread topping for a nostalgic and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2024 frozen Italian-style meatballs
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)
  • 4 cups cubed Italian bread or baguette (day-old)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed Italian bread with melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until each cube is coated.
  3. In another bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese. Stir in Italian seasoning and a pinch of black pepper.
  4. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Arrange half of the meatballs over the sauce, then sprinkle half of the cheese mixture on top.
  6. Repeat with remaining meatballs, sauce, and cheese.
  7. Evenly spread the garlic buttered bread cubes over the cheese layer.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes or until the bread cubes are golden and crispy.
  10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread for the topping to ensure crispiness. If bread cubes are not crisping enough, broil for 1–2 minutes watching carefully. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. You can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking. Leftovers reheat best in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sub casserole, comfort food, garlic bread topping, easy casserole, Italian meatballs, cheesy casserole