Name: Loaded Marinara Meatball Sub Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen meatballs; 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal that combines the flavors of a classic meatball sub in a simple casserole form, look no further than Loaded Marinara Meatball Sub Casserole. This recipe is a game-changer, offering all the familiar tastes of a meatball sub, but with less effort and more convenience. The combination of tender meatballs, crusty bread cubes soaked in marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is a surefire hit with the whole family. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat, this casserole is as easy to make as it is delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour of cook time, you can have a delicious and filling dish ready to serve. Plus, the best part is that it can be prepped ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to eat. This casserole is all about layers of flavor that meld together in the oven, creating the perfect cheesy, saucy, and meaty bite every time. If you love meatball subs, you’ll fall in love with this twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: With minimal prep work, this casserole comes together quickly, perfect for busy nights.
Comforting and Hearty: Packed with flavorful meatballs, melted cheese, and marinara sauce, it’s a meal that fills you up.
Cheesy Goodness: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates the ultimate cheesy topping that everyone loves.
Family-Friendly: This casserole is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a go-to family dinner.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding extra veggies, spices, or different cheeses for a personal twist.

Ingredients

Frozen meatballs
French bread, cut into cubes
Marinara sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped

Variations

Add Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
Different Bread: Swap out French bread for hoagie rolls or a different type of bread for variety.
Cheese Options: Use provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different cheese profile.
Make it Meatless: Replace the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen meatballs, French bread cubes, and marinara sauce. Toss everything together to coat the bread and meatballs evenly with the sauce.

Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Pour the meatball mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure the bread and meatballs are well distributed.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole. This will melt beautifully in the oven and create that delicious cheesy layer.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps the casserole heat through and the bread to soak up the marinara sauce.

Step 6: Bake Uncovered

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Frozen Meatballs: Frozen meatballs are a time-saver and require no prep work, but you can also use homemade meatballs if you prefer.
Soak the Bread: Make sure the bread cubes are well-coated in marinara sauce to ensure they become soft and flavorful while baking.
Cover with Foil: The foil helps trap moisture and keeps the bread and meatballs from drying out during the first part of baking.
Don’t Skip the Cheese: The mozzarella and Parmesan are essential for creating that irresistible cheesy topping.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can also use basil or oregano for extra flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this Loaded Marinara Meatball Sub Casserole as a main dish with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also perfect as a make-ahead dinner for busy nights or a comforting dish for weekend gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen! Once fully assembled (but before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but frozen meatballs are more convenient for this recipe.

2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can use vegetarian or plant-based meatballs for a meatless version of this casserole.

3. What other types of bread can I use?

You can use hoagie rolls, Italian bread, or even sourdough if you prefer a different bread.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor.

5. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use provolone, gouda, or a mixture of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

7. Can I make this casserole spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to the casserole for an extra kick.

8. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the bread has absorbed the sauce.

9. Can I use marinara sauce from a jar?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but feel free to use homemade sauce if you prefer.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking and bake it once you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

Loaded Marinara Meatball Sub Casserole is a quick, delicious, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights or casual family dinners. With its cheesy, savory goodness and minimal prep time, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it in advance for a busy day, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the perfect fusion of meatball sub flavors in casserole form!