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Cheesy Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe with Crispy Golden Edges Easy and Best

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A comforting casserole that combines juicy homemade meatballs, melty cheeses, and crispy golden bread edges for a nostalgic meatball sub experience in an easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old bread preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • Butter, for greasing the pan

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20-24 total.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes, not cooking through but searing for flavor.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter.
  5. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the casserole dish. Spoon half of the marinara sauce over the bread.
  6. Arrange half the meatballs on top, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and provolone cheeses.
  7. Repeat layers with remaining bread cubes, marinara, meatballs, and cheeses. Press down lightly to compact layers.
  8. Cover casserole loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden and crispy.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess. Browning meatballs before baking adds flavor and keeps them juicy. For extra crispy edges, broil casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball, or use gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese alternatives for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sub casserole, cheesy casserole, meatball recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal, potluck recipe

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