Get ready to indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with our Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole. This hearty and satisfying dish combines the classic elements of a meatball sub sandwich with the convenience of a baked casserole. Packed with juicy, mozzarella-filled meatballs and smothered in a rich marinara sauce, this casserole is a surefire way to please the entire family.
Unveiling the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole
Originating from the beloved meatball sub sandwich, this casserole takes the concept to new heights. By stuffing each meatball with a cube of creamy mozzarella cheese and baking them in a savory marinara sauce, we’ve created a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. The addition of crusty sub bread on top adds a delightful textural contrast, making this casserole a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
To craft this mouthwatering Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Ground beef and pork: The perfect blend of meats for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and create a delicious, tender texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor to the meatballs.
- Fresh parsley and garlic: Enhance the Italian flavors and aromatics.
- Marinara sauce: The foundation for the casserole, providing a rich, tomato-based sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: The star ingredient, stuffed inside the meatballs and sprinkled on top for maximum cheesiness.
- Crusty sub bread: Adds a satisfying texture and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat.
When combined, these ingredients create a harmonious and comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your Italian cravings.
Step-by-Step: Assembling the Meatball Sub Casserole
Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this mouthwatering casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated, then form the mixture into meatballs, each one stuffed with a cube of mozzarella cheese.
- Brown the meatballs: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to lock in the flavors and create a delicious crust on the outside.
- Prepare the casserole: In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce. Carefully place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs.
- Add the bread: Cut the sub bread into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the top of the casserole, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake to perfection: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using), and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, then serve and enjoy this delightful Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole!
Baking Tips for a Mouthwatering Casserole
To ensure your Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Browning the meatballs: This crucial step helps to lock in the flavors and create a delicious crust on the outside of the meatballs, adding to the overall texture and taste of the dish.
- Covering with foil: Covering the casserole with foil during the initial baking time helps to trap the heat and steam, ensuring the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Checking for doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time, looking for bubbling edges and a golden-brown top as signs of readiness.
- Letting it rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors meld and the casserole to set up properly.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole is that it lends itself well to a variety of adaptations and customizations. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Different cheese options: While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like provolone, Fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Vegetable additions: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the casserole.
- Spicy twist: If you’re a fan of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meatball mixture.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef and pork for plant-based meat alternatives or a combination of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils to create a meatless version.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What ingredients do I need to make a Meatball Sub Casserole?
To make a Meatball Sub Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients: frozen or homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, sub rolls or Italian bread, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning (optional), and fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional).
2. How long should I bake a Meatball Sub Casserole?
Bake the Meatball Sub Casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re using pre-cooked meatballs, the baking time may be slightly reduced. Always ensure that the casserole is heated through.
3. Can I make Meatball Sub Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Meatball Sub Casserole ahead of time! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
4. What can I serve with Meatball Sub Casserole?
Meatball Sub Casserole pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, you can also include a side of pasta or a hearty soup.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Creamy Butterscotch Cheesecake
- Creamy Garlic Sauce Steak
- Better Than Anything Bars
- Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Concluding Thoughts
The Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and hearty, comforting ingredients. With its gooey mozzarella-filled meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and crunchy sub bread topping, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and get ready to dive into a truly satisfying and indulgent dining experience. Buon appetito!
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Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Sub Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines the essence of a classic meatball sub with a baked casserole format. Featuring cheesy meatballs and a crispy bread topping, it’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 loaf crusty sub bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated, then form into meatballs, each stuffed with a cube of mozzarella cheese.
- Brown the meatballs: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the casserole: In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce. Place the browned meatballs on top, then pour the remaining sauce over them.
- Add the bread: Scatter the cut sub bread over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using), and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider browning the meatballs in batches.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg