Italian Meatball
All the comfort of a classic meatball sub—baked into a hearty, cheesy casserole! Layers of crusty bread, creamy cheese, savory meatballs, and rich marinara come together for a family-friendly dinner that’s warm, satisfying, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
- â…“ cup chopped green onion (to taste)
- ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch slices
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise (not low-fat or light)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (28 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together green onion, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add the ground beef and combine well.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a wire rack set inside a shallow baking pan.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through. (Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat.)
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange bread slices in a single layer in a 9x13-inch ungreased baking dish. (You may not need the entire loaf.)
- In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the bread layer.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella.
- In a large bowl, stir together spaghetti sauce, water, and minced garlic.
- Add the cooked meatballs, then pour the mixture over the bread and cheese layers in the baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1½ cups mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Pro Tip from Foodicious Recipes
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the layers set. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
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