Best Easy Cheesy Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe

Cheesy meatball sub casserole deconstructs the classic sandwich into a bubbly bake with meatballs, marinara, and melted cheese. This protein-rich family dinner is fun, easy, and disappears fast.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 650 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Italian-style meatballs 24 pieces
  • French bread 1 loaf
  • shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups
  • ricotta cheese 1 cup
  • marinara sauce 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Italian seasoning 2 tsp
  • garlic powder 1 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 48 g 29%
Protein 32 g 20%
Fat 32 g 44%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F and drizzle olive oil onto the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. 2

    Slice French bread into thick pieces and line the bottom of the prepared dish; brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.

  3. 3

    Spread ricotta cheese evenly over bread slices, then layer marinara sauce across the entire surface.

  4. 4

    Arrange Italian-style meatballs over the sauce in a single layer and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  5. 5

    Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, then rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The Italian-style meatballs are the central ingredient, delivering the savory and protein-rich core that makes this casserole reminiscent of the classic sub. Combined with marinara, bread, and mozzarella, they create the essential flavor and texture profile.
Q. How should I control the oven heat to ensure a bubbly casserole?
Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, uncovered. This temperature allows the cheese to melt and brown while the meatballs heat through. Watch for bubbling edges and golden cheese—these indicate it's perfectly cooked.
Q. How do I prevent soggy bread in this casserole?
Lining the dish with bread slices and brushing lightly with olive oil helps create a slightly crisp base. Spreading ricotta before marinara acts as a moisture buffer, so the bread stays tender but not soggy during baking.
Q. How much protein and calories are there per serving?
Each serving provides about 32g of protein and 650 kcal. Protein accounts for 20% of calories, making it a high-protein meal, while carbohydrates and fats contribute 29% and 44%, respectively.
Q. What makes this recipe Mediterranean-style?
The Mediterranean tag is earned through the use of olive oil, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and the inclusion of protein-rich meatballs combined with cheese and bread—all classic elements of Mediterranean-inspired cooking.
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