Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole

Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole combines everything you love about a hearty Italian meatball sub in one comforting, oven-baked dish. Juicy, homemade meatballs, rich spaghetti sauce, creamy cheese layers, and toasted Italian bread cubes come together for a casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day feasts. This dish delivers all the flavors of a classic meatball sandwich without the mess, and it’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. In just a few steps, you can create a warm, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole

• Comfort Food Favorite: All the flavors of a meatball sub, baked into one cheesy, bubbly dish.

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward prep make it a perfect go-to recipe.

• Feeds a Crowd: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or entertaining.

• Customizable: Easily swap proteins, cheeses, or sauces to make it your own.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup finely chopped green onions

• ¼ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 (1-pound) loaf of Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 3 cups spaghetti sauce

• 1 cup water (optional, for a thinner sauce)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-Step: How to Make Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Prepare the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine green onions, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ground beef. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in a baking pan.

3. Bake the meatballs: Roast in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

4. Prepare the bread base: Spread Italian bread cubes evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Make the creamy layer: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until smooth. Spread this mixture over the bread cubes.

6. Add cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella over the cream cheese mixture.

7. Combine sauce and meatballs: Mix spaghetti sauce, garlic, and water (if using) in a bowl. Gently stir in cooked meatballs, then pour over the bread and cheese layers.

8. Top and bake: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready.

• Even Cooking: Make sure the meatballs are evenly sized so they cook consistently.

• Extra Flavor: Combine ground beef with Italian sausage to add depth and richness to the taste.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese: Try provolone, fontina, or gouda instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.

• Bread: Swap Italian bread for ciabatta or French bread for extra texture.

• Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs for a lighter option.

• Sauce: Go spicy with arrabbiata or keep it creamy with a rosé sauce.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 1,046

• Total Fat: 65g

• Saturated Fat: 26g

• Cholesterol: 153mg

• Sodium: 1,876mg

• Carbohydrates: 74g

• Fiber: 7g

• Sugar: 15g

• Protein: 41g

• Vitamin C: 5mg

• Calcium: 432mg

• Iron: 7mg

• Potassium: 850mg

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a balanced meal.

• Add a side of garlic breadsticks for an extra Italian touch.

• Serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole

Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes! Pre-cooked or frozen meatballs work perfectly if you want to save time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10 extra minutes to the cook time.

Do I have to use mayonnaise?
Alternative Option: Swap in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier twist.

What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until thoroughly heated for the best texture.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Gluten-Free Option: Opt for gluten-free bread cubes and bread crumbs when making the meatballs.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining me in making this Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole—a dish that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of bold Italian flavors that will bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites. I hope you savor every single bite of this cozy, flavorful casserole. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!

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Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole combines juicy meatballs, creamy cheese, tangy spaghetti sauce, and toasted bread in one delicious, family-friendly bake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

⅓ cup finely chopped green onions

¼ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 pound ground beef

1 (1-pound) loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

½ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

3 cups spaghetti sauce

1 cup water (optional, for a thinner sauce)

2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C).

• Prepare the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine green onions, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ground beef. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in a baking pan.

• Bake the meatballs: Roast in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

• Prepare the bread base: Spread Italian bread cubes evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Make the creamy layer: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until smooth. Spread this mixture over the bread cubes.

• Add cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella over the cream cheese mixture.

• Combine sauce and meatballs: Mix spaghetti sauce, garlic, and water (if using) in a bowl. Gently stir in cooked meatballs, then pour over the bread and cheese layers.

• Top and bake: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

For added depth, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.

Prepare up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Swap in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier creamy layer.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and crumbs

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 generous portion
• Calories: 1,046
• Sugar: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 74g
• Protein: 41g