Loaded Marinara Meatball Sub Casserole

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and easy to make, this Loaded Marinara Meatball Sub Casserole is the perfect choice. Packed with savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked together on a bed of French bread, this casserole is the ultimate combination of a classic meatball sub and a crowd-pleasing casserole dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Comfort Food: This casserole combines all the familiar flavors of a meatball sub in an easy-to-make, one-dish meal.
• Family-Friendly: Meatballs and melted cheese make this dish a hit with both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners.
• Time-Saving: With frozen meatballs and just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Cheesy Goodness: The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a gooey, cheesy topping that everyone will love.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this casserole by adding veggies, switching up the cheese, or using a different type of bread.

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

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the frozen meatballs, French bread cubes, and marinara sauce. Stir well to coat the bread and meatballs evenly.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Tips:

• Customize the Bread: You can use other types of bread, such as ciabatta or Italian bread, for added flavor and texture.
• Add Veggies: For a more well-rounded dish, consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole.
• Make it Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.

How to Serve:

Serve this Loaded Marinara Meatball Sub Casserole as a main dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage:

• Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Simply assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the instructions.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs:

1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen? Yes! You can definitely use homemade meatballs if you prefer.
2. Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! While French bread works great, you can use other types of bread like Italian or sourdough for a different flavor.
3. Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Yes! You can mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
6. Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of meatballs? Yes, you can use cooked ground beef or turkey as an alternative to the frozen meatballs.
7. How can I make this casserole spicier? Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage meatballs for an extra kick.
8. Can I use a different cheese? Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or any cheese you prefer.
9. Can I add more sauce? Yes, you can add extra marinara sauce if you prefer a saucier casserole.
10. Can I make this in a smaller baking dish? Yes, you can use a smaller baking dish, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion:

Loaded Marinara Meatball Sub Casserole is a simple, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, this dish is sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.

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