Meatball Sub Casserole: Easy Recipe for a Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

Meatball Sub Casserole: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that combines the best parts of a meatball sub with the ease and convenience of a casserole. Forget juggling messy sandwiches – this recipe delivers all the flavor without the fuss.

The meatball sub itself has humble beginnings, likely originating in the early 20th century with Italian immigrants in America. It’s a testament to resourcefulness and a love for hearty, flavorful food. This Meatball Sub Casserole takes that classic sandwich and elevates it to a shareable, crowd-pleasing meal.

What’s not to love? The tender, juicy meatballs, the tangy marinara sauce, the gooey melted cheese, all nestled on a bed of perfectly toasted bread. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience meatball sub bliss in casserole form!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned are great!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 1 (12-ounce) package frozen dinner rolls, thawed (about 12 rolls)
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little kick
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Preparing the Meatballs:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this casserole – the meatballs! I promise, they’re super easy to make and taste way better than store-bought.

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Use your hands (yes, get in there!) to gently mix all the ingredients together. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. You just want everything evenly distributed.
3. Once everything is combined, start forming the meatballs. I like to make mine about 1-inch in diameter, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that larger meatballs will take longer to cook.
4. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Cooking the Meatballs and Veggies:

Now it’s time to cook those delicious meatballs and get our veggies nice and tender. We’re going to do this in a skillet on the stovetop.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all the meatballs without overcrowding them. If necessary, you can cook them in batches.
2. Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet. Brown them on all sides, turning them occasionally. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just get a nice sear on them. This will add a ton of flavor.
3. Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor in the sauce.
5. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them to the skillet along with the onions and peppers. This will infuse the vegetables with a little bit of heat.
6. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
8. Gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce.
9. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer they simmer, the more tender and flavorful they will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Assembling the Casserole:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to assemble our meatball sub casserole. This is the fun part!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Arrange the thawed dinner rolls in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You may need to tear some of the rolls to fit them snugly together and cover the entire bottom of the dish.
4. Pour the meatball and sauce mixture evenly over the dinner rolls. Make sure the rolls are well-covered with the sauce.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Don’t be shy with the cheese!

Baking the Casserole:

Almost there! Now we just need to bake the casserole until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and ensure that the rolls are heated through.
2. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The rolls should also be cooked through and slightly browned on the edges.
4. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.

Serving and Enjoying:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve and enjoy our delicious meatball sub casserole.

1. Garnish the casserole with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This will add a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic flavor.
2. Cut the casserole into squares and serve immediately.
3. This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread.
4. Enjoy! This meatball sub casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with a comforting and flavorful dish.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this meatball sub casserole even more amazing:

• Use different types of cheese: Instead of mozzarella, try using provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Use different types of rolls: Instead of dinner rolls, try using slider buns, hoagie rolls, or even garlic knots.
• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze it: This casserole freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Enjoy your homemade Meatball Sub Casserole!

Conclusion:

This Meatball Sub Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings all the comforting flavors of a classic meatball sub to your table in a fun, shareable format. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal that the whole family will devour. Forget standing over a hot stove assembling individual subs – this casserole streamlines the process without sacrificing any of the flavor. The combination of juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and that perfectly toasted bread topping is simply irresistible.

But what truly elevates this dish is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken meatballs work wonderfully for a lighter option, or you could even try using Italian sausage for an extra kick. For the sauce, while I love a classic marinara, a spicy arrabbiata or a creamy pesto would also be fantastic variations. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the cheese! Provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of parmesan would all add their own unique flavor profile.

Serving suggestions are endless! This Meatball Sub Casserole is perfect as a standalone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some garlic bread or a side of pasta. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it a perfect option for lunch the next day.

Variations to Explore:

* Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or a hearty mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for the meatballs.
* Garlic Lovers: Add extra minced garlic to the meatball mixture and brush the bread topping with garlic butter before baking.
* Cheesy Goodness: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy casserole.
* Pizza Inspired: Add pepperoni slices, olives, and bell peppers to the casserole for a pizza-inspired twist.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a perfectly baked Meatball Sub Casserole. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece.

Once you’ve made it, please, please, please share your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Post a picture on social media and tag me – I’d love to see your creations and hear your feedback. Your comments and suggestions help me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every delicious bite of this amazing Meatball Sub Casserole! I know I will!