This Ultimate Cheesy Meatball Sub Bake combines crispy garlic bread, saucy meatballs, and gooey melted cheese into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the delicious flavors of a classic meatball sub in an easy-to-make casserole.
Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks.

Uses frozen garlic bread and meatballs for a quick and effortless meal.
Cheesy, saucy, and full of comforting flavors.
Feeds a crowd with minimal prep work!

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package frozen garlic bread
2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
40 Italian-style frozen meatballs

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Arrange garlic bread, spread side up, on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until warm and golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring spaghetti sauce to a boil. Add frozen meatballs, reduce heat to low, and simmer until meatballs are heated through, approximately 20 minutes.
Tear the cooled garlic bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pour the meatball and sauce mixture over the garlic bread pieces, ensuring the bread is well-coated and meatballs are evenly distributed.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour
Calories per serving: 450 kcal

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

Veggie Boost: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor.
Cheese Lover’s Edition: Use a mix of provolone, cheddar, or gouda for extra cheesiness.
Garlic Butter Twist: Brush the garlic bread with additional garlic butter before baking for an even richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes! Just brown them in a skillet before simmering in the sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything except the final baking step and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What type of bread works best?

Frozen garlic bread adds great flavor, but you can also use fresh baguette or Italian bread.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?

Bake the garlic bread until crispy before assembling the dish to maintain texture.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Absolutely! Just ensure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Can I add extra sauce?

Yes! If you love extra saucy dishes, feel free to add an extra half jar of sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair well to balance the richness.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Provolone, gouda, or even ricotta can work well in this dish.

How do I make this dish lower in carbs?

Use a low-carb bread alternative or skip the bread entirely and serve over roasted zucchini slices.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Cheesy Meatball Sub Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together all the best parts of a meatball sub in an easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re feeding the family, entertaining guests, or looking for a hearty, cheesy meal, this bake is sure to be a hit!

Ultimate Cheesy Meatball Sub Bake

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Cheesy Meatball Sub Bake combines crispy garlic bread, saucy meatballs, and gooey melted cheese into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole!

Ingredients

Scale

1 (16-ounce) package frozen garlic bread
2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce

40 Italian-style frozen meatballs
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake Garlic Bread: Arrange bread spread-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool. Lower oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Meatballs: Heat spaghetti sauce in a large pot until boiling. Add frozen meatballs and simmer on low for 20 minutes.

Assemble Casserole: Tear garlic bread into bite-sized pieces and layer them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add Sauce & Meatballs: Pour meatballs and sauce over the bread, ensuring even coverage.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
Try adding sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Cuisines

Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American