Cheesy Meatball Sub Sandwich Casserole 🍝🥖

This hearty and comforting casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines all the flavors of a classic meatball sub into an easy-to-make dish. With layers of tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. Give your taste buds a treat and serve it with a side of garlic bread!

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the casserole

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 8 hoagie rolls (submarine bread)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

🍽️ Don't overmix the meatball mixture; this can make them tough. Just mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

• Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Assemble the Casserole

• While the meatballs are baking, slice the hoagie rolls in half and lightly toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes to give them a bit of crunch.
• In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange half of the toasted hoagie rolls in a single layer over the sauce.

🥗 Feel free to slice the rolls into smaller pieces if you prefer bite-sized servings!

• Add a layer of the cooked meatballs over the rolls, followed by another layer of marinara sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and provolone cheese on top.
• Repeat with the remaining rolls, meatballs, and marinara sauce. Finish with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Bake the Casserole

• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

⚡ For a crispy top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute meatballs with plant-based meatballs or sautéed vegetables to create a delicious veggie version! 🌱
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the marinara sauce before layering for a kick of heat.
• Cheesy: Incorporate a blend of cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added richness and flavor.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!

Enjoy this comforting and cheesy Meatball Sub Sandwich Casserole with friends and family! 🍽️❤️