Meatball Sub Casserole: 40 Min Amazing Dinner

Name: Meatball Sub Casserole: 40 Min Amazing Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 4 hoagie rolls, sliced; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

by basmer

7 de November de 2025

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Meatball sub casserole dinner has become my absolute go-to for those nights when I crave something incredibly satisfying but don’t have a lot of time. I remember the first time I made a meatball sub casserole recipe for a potluck; people were raving about it! The aroma of warm marinara sauce, savory meatballs, and melted cheese filling my kitchen was intoxicating. It’s like taking all the best parts of a classic meatball sandwich and transforming them into a comforting, baked dish. This easy meatball sub casserole truly delivers on flavor and convenience. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner

This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a weeknight game-changer! Here’s why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation:

Incredibly Flavorful: It packs all the deliciousness of a classic meatball sandwich into every bite.
Super Easy to Make: This is truly an easy meatball sub casserole that requires minimal effort.
Family Friendly: Picky eaters and adults alike adore this comforting dish, making it a family friendly meatball sub casserole option.
Quick Preparation: You can have this on the table in about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish, meaning less washing up afterwards!
Customizable: Easily adapt it to your family’s tastes with different cheeses or a touch of spice.
Comfort Food Guaranteed: It’s the ultimate cozy meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients for Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing ground beef meatball sub casserole. You’ll find it’s a straightforward list that comes together quickly:

1 lb lean ground beef – This forms the savory base of our meatballs.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Panko or regular work, they help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
1 large egg – Acts as a binder for the meatball mixture.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth to the meatballs.
1 tsp garlic powder – For that essential garlicky flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that screams Italian comfort.
1/2 tsp salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
1/4 tsp black pepper – A little kick to balance the richness.
2 cups marinara sauce – The heart of our meatball sub casserole with marinara, choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce.
4 hoagie rolls, sliced – These will soak up all the delicious sauce and cheese.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that irresistible, gooey, cheesy topping.

How to Make Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner

Let’s dive into creating this delicious baked meatball sub casserole! It’s a straightforward process that will fill your home with amazing aromas. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish; this is where all the magic happens.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the 1 lb lean ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so be tender!
Step 3: Roll the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each. I like to make them roughly the size of a large grape.
Step 4: Arrange these lovely meatballs in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. They should fit snugly but not be overcrowded.
Step 5: Pour the 2 cups marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs. Make sure they’re mostly covered; this sauce is key to the flavor!
Step 6: Slice your 4 hoagie rolls and arrange them on top of the sauce and meatballs. They’ll soak up all those delicious juices as they bake.
Step 7: Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the hoagie rolls. Get it right to the edges for maximum cheesy goodness!
Step 8: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are cooked through. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. The aroma at this point is incredible!
Step 9: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve. This concludes how to make meatball sub casserole perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner

Want to elevate your meatball sub casserole bake from good to absolutely divine? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will help ensure your dish is a guaranteed hit every single time.

For extra flavor, toast your hoagie roll slices lightly under the broiler for a minute or two before layering them.
Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
Using a good quality marinara sauce makes a big impact on the overall flavor of your meatball sub casserole with marinara.
Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking is crucial for the flavors to meld together perfectly.

What’s the secret to perfect Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner?

The real secret to the best meatball sub casserole is in the details: don’t overmix the meatball ingredients, and ensure your hoagie rolls get nice and saucy. A touch of Parmesan in the meatballs adds depth.

Can I make Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish, minus the mozzarella cheese, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the cheese just before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner?

A common pitfall is soggy bread; lightly toasting the rolls helps prevent this. Another is overmixing the meatballs, which makes them tough. Lastly, ensure your meatballs are cooked through by checking their internal temperature to avoid undercooked meat. For more information on safe food temperatures, check out the USDA’s guidelines on food safety.

Best Ways to Serve Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner

This versatile dish is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner. For a true comfort food experience, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you’re looking for something heartier, a side of garlic bread or even a small portion of meatball sub casserole with pasta can be a delightful addition, though it’s certainly filling enough on its own. Many people love serving it with extra meatball sub casserole with bread on the side for dipping into any extra sauce. It’s a wonderfully adaptable meal that feels special without requiring a lot of fuss.

Nutrition Facts for Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delicious meatball sub casserole dinner. It’s a hearty and satisfying comfort food option, perfect for a family meal.

Calories: 420
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 890mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used in your meatball sub casserole recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner

This comfort food meatball sub casserole is fantastic for leftovers! Once it’s cooled down a bit, about an hour after baking, you can store it. For the best results, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this deliciousness for longer, it freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes it super easy to have a quick meal ready to go.

Reheating is just as simple. For refrigerated portions, you can gently reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. For frozen portions, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, reheat using the oven method or microwave. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the reheating time if the casserole is still cold in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner

What is meatball sub casserole dinner?

A meatball sub casserole dinner is essentially all the delicious components of a classic meatball sub sandwich — meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese — baked together in a single dish, often with bread or pasta. It’s a simplified, family-friendly way to enjoy those comforting flavors without the fuss of assembling individual sandwiches.

Can I make meatball sub casserole without bread?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re looking for a meatball sub casserole without bread, you have a few great options. You can substitute cooked pasta, like rotini or penne, for the bread. Another popular variation is to layer the meatballs and sauce with a creamy cheese mixture and top it with more cheese, creating a wonderfully gooey bake that doesn’t need bread.

What are some other meatball casserole dinner ideas?

Beyond this classic recipe, there are so many fantastic meatball casserole dinner ideas! You could try a Swedish meatball casserole with a creamy gravy and egg noodles, or a spicy Mexican-inspired meatball casserole with corn, beans, and chili seasoning. For a lighter take, a Mediterranean meatball casserole with olives, feta, and tomatoes is also delicious.

How do I make the best meatball sub casserole?

To achieve the best meatball sub casserole, focus on quality ingredients. Use a flavorful marinara sauce, good quality cheese, and don’t overmix your meatball mixture. Ensuring the meatballs are cooked through and the bread or pasta is well-sauced are key to a delightful experience.

Variations of Meatball Sub Casserole Dinner You Can Try

This meatball sub casserole bake is incredibly versatile, and I love experimenting with different twists! Here are a few ideas to shake things up and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this dish:

Spicy Italian Meatball Sub Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your meatball mixture and use a spicy marinara sauce. Top with a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for an extra kick. This is a fantastic way to make an easy meatball sub casserole with more punch!
Gluten-Free Meatball Sub Casserole: Simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers in the meatball mix. For the topping, use gluten-free bread or skip the bread altogether and layer with extra cheese and sauce. It’s a great way to make a quick meatball sub casserole accessible for everyone.
Mini Meatball Sub Casserole Bites: Instead of slicing hoagie rolls, cut them into smaller pieces and layer them with the meatballs and sauce in mini muffin tins. Top with cheese and bake until golden. These are perfect for appetizers or a fun, kid-friendly meal.
Slow Cooker Meatball Sub Casserole: For a hands-off approach, combine the meatballs, sauce, and bread (or pasta) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are done and the bread is soft. Top with cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.