This Dump and Bake Meatball Sub Casserole is an easy meatball sub casserole recipe with garlic bread and classic Italian flavors perfect for a quick meal during the week or potlucks.
Prep Time: 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 30 minutesminutes
Total Time: 50 minutesminutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 427kcal
Ingredients
1loaf buttered garlic breadcut into 1-inch-thick slices (you will have some leftover)
1lb.frozen cooked meatballsthawed
8oz.cream cheesevery softened
1/2cupmayonnaise
1tsp.Italian seasoning
28oz.jar marinara sauce
2/3cupwater
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a greased 9 x 13 pan, arrange the sliced garlic bread in a single layer, buttered side up; set aside.(If you are using plain French or Italian bread, butter each slice and sprinkle with just a smidge of garlic powder, if desired.)
In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the meatballs, browning them a bit on each side, allowing them to render their fats somewhat; drain any fats that accumulate. Add the marinara sauce to the meatballs, along with the water; bring to a gentle simmer, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with the mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning; gently spread this mixture over the sliced bread in the casserole dish; sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Spread the marinara/meatball mixture over the cream cheese layer; sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake the casserole, uncovered, on the center rack of the oven, for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly throughout and golden brown on top. Serve at once.Don't over bake; this can cause the bread on the bottom of the casserole to become tough and chewy.