Description
Enjoy a delicious Meatball Sub Casserole featuring savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all served on crispy Italian bread. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of flavors that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 loaf of Italian bread or hoagie rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture.
- Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding around 20-24 meatballs.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispy exterior.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add the dried oregano and basil to the sauce.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan and gently stir to coat. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes on low heat.
- Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise or leave hoagie rolls whole.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and drizzle olive oil over the cut sides.
- Toast the bread in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the toasted bread on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Spoon the meatballs and marinara sauce over the bread.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the meatballs with your favorite herbs or spices.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes