Meatball Sub Casserole For Two

When it comes to making a quick and easy, yet satisfying meal for two, this Meatball Sub Casserole is a great option. All the flavors of the classic sub made into an easy to eat (non-messy) meal.

Best of all, by using a few store bought ingredients, this dish comes together in minutes. Frozen Texas Toast garlic bread, frozen meatballs, your favorite marinara sauce and shredded Mozzarella cheese are combined to make this simple, yet delicious recipe.

Once everything is mixed together all you have to do is put it in the oven until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Serve it with a side salad and your have a complete meal for two!

Texas Toast Garlic Bread

Although many casseroles are made with some sort of pasta or rice, to keep this recipe as close to the original inspiration of a meatball sub, it is best to use bread instead. However, instead of tearing a sub bun into pieces, here I are use Texas Toast Garlic Bread.

The thick slices of bread provides a sturdy foundation that pairs perfectly with the meatballs. In addition it provides the casserole with extra flavor because it is already has that great buttery garlic flavor.

As you eat the casserole you will be able to use those chunks of bread to soak up the marinara sauce, leaving you with delicious flavor in every bite!

What Type of Meatballs To Use

You can use fresh or frozen, beef, pork, chicken or turkey meatballs in this recipe. However I prefer to use pre-cooked, appetizer size, frozen meatballs, as they are quick and easy to prepare.

In fact, they can be ready for the casserole in under 5 minutes. Simply pop them in the microwave and heat them per the package instructions.

Then leave them whole or cut them in half and toss them with the other ingredients. It is a quick, easy and convenient way to get dinner on the table quickly.

However you can use homemade or fresh meatballs in this Meatball Sub Casserole recipe if you prefer. Although be sure that you cook the meatballs before assembling the casserole.

Marinara Sauce

One of the key components of a classic Meatball Sub is the thick tomato sauce that coats the meatballs. Once the meatballs are placed in the bun even more sauce is poured on top.

Therefore tomato sauce is also included in this Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe. Although instead of using plain tomato sauce, it is best to use marinara sauce to get even more flavor from the sauce.

Marinara sauce is a tomato sauce that also includes garlic, herbs, and onions. However if you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you could substitute pizza sauce or even your favorite pasta sauce.

And to give the sauce even more flavor add in a little extra dry Italian seasoning. A little seasoning goes a long way in making this dish even more satisfying.

Mozzarella Cheese

The most common choice when adding cheese to a Meatball Sub or Meatball Sub Casserole is Mozzarella cheese. Creamy and mild, the cheese perfectly compliments the zesty flavors of the Italian meatballs and marinara sauce.

Mozzarella also melts perfectly, not to mention that it is widely available. You can use thin slices of fresh Mozzarella cheese.

Or top the casserole with shredded Mozzarella cheese for a more convenient option. Once the casserole goes in the oven the cheese will melt, binding the entire casserole together.

How To Assemble Meatball Sub Casserole

The best part about making this casserole is how easy it all comes together. Assembling a meal for two shouldn’t be a time-consuming process, and this recipe ensures that the preparation is both quick and easy.

1. Start by heating the garlic bread slices in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. Cook the bread according to the package instructions.

You need the bread to be toasted so that it holds up to the other ingredients in the dish. Once the bread becomes golden brown around the edges, remove it from the oven and cut it into cubes.

Although you could add the entire slices to the casserole dish, it is much easier to eat if they bread is already cut into bite size pieces.

2. While the Texas toast is in the oven, cook the meatballs in the microwave or in your Air Fryer (see: Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs Instructions). Depending on the size of the cooked meatballs that you purchased this will take anywhere from 2-5 minutes.

Once the meatballs are heated through, cut them in half. Again, not absolutely necessary, but it is easier to eat the casserole as no cutting will be required once dinner is served.

3. Then layer on your choice of sauce, Italian seasoning and Mozzarella cheese. The sauce and cheese will acts as the glue that binds the Meatball Sub Casserole together.

Bake Time Required

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted and beginning to turn light golden brown in color. It will take approximately 20-25 minutes.

Then when the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This extra time will allow the sauce to thicken and it will be easier to serve.

Once you take a bite you will know that this recipe is one that you will want to make over and over again. Because of the ease of using readily available ingredients, the cooking process becomes an easy task making it an ideal option for busy evenings or when the craving for a comforting meal strikes.

Meatball Sub Casserole For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pieces frozen Texas Toast garlic bread
• 9 precooked, frozen meatballs
• 2/3 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup finely shredded Mozzarella cheese

INSTRUCTIONS (Meatball Sub Casserole)

Spray a small 1 quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. Bake the Texas Toast garlic bread per package instructions, flipping it half way through the bake time (approximately 5 minutes).

Microwave the meatballs per package instructions (approximately 2 ½ minutes). Then cut the meatballs in half.

Once the Texas Toast garlic bread comes out of the oven let it cool enough just so that it can be handled safely. Cut each piece of bread into 6-9 bite size sections and place it in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Then turn the oven to 350°F.

Place the cut meatballs on top of the garlic bread pieces. Evenly pour the marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs.

Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the sauce. Layer the Mozzarella cheese over top.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to turn light golden brown in spots. Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 3 minutes before serving.

Enjoy! Mary

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