Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole Recipe

Ground beef: The base for your meatballs, providing rich flavor and protein.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds texture.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the meatballs.

Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds depth to the meatballs.

Dried basil: Another essential Italian herb that complements the oregano.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that brings everything together with its rich flavor.

Hoagie rolls: The bread base for the casserole, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the casserole, adding a gooey, cheesy layer.

When forming the meatballs, ensure they are uniform in size to promote even cooking. Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon can help achieve this consistency. Additionally, lightly oil your hands to prevent the meat mixture from sticking while shaping the meatballs.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and still provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding effect and texture in the meatballs.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative.

• egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) can be used as a binder for a vegan option.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can add a fresh and slightly sweet flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a more intense and aromatic flavor.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce can provide a similar base with a slightly different flavor profile.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with baguette slices: Baguette slices can provide a similar texture and are often more readily available.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a slightly sharper flavor, making it a good alternative.

• Allow the Italian meatball sandwich casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. First, wrap the entire casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring no air can enter. Follow this with a layer of aluminum foil for added protection.

• If you prefer portioning, divide the casserole into individual servings. Place each serving in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date for easy tracking.

• When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, which should take about 25-30 minutes.

• To maintain the texture of the hoagie rolls, you can reheat uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up.

• Avoid microwaving the entire casserole as it can result in uneven heating and a less desirable texture. If using a microwave for individual portions, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture, and heat on medium power to ensure even warming.

• For added freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or parmesan cheese after reheating. This can enhance the flavors and give the dish a freshly made feel.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the mozzarella cheese from drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a toaster oven tray and cover it with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden.

• For stovetop reheating, place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Heat for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and a crispy finish.

• Oven: Used to bake the meatballs and the casserole, ensuring everything is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, and seasonings to form the meatball mixture.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the formed meatballs on for baking in the oven.

• Casserole dish: Used to layer the hoagie rolls, meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for the final bake.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.

• Spatula: Helpful for mixing the meatball ingredients together thoroughly.

• Knife: Used to slice the hoagie rolls if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the hoagie rolls.

• Cheese grater: If not using pre-grated cheese, this tool is necessary for grating the parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

• Serving spoon: Useful for layering the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the casserole dish.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices the night before to save time.

Use pre-made marinara sauce: Opt for a quality jarred marinara sauce to cut down on prep time.

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy shredded mozzarella cheese to avoid the extra step of grating.

Bake meatballs in bulk: Double the meatball recipe and freeze half for future use.

Assemble in stages: Layer hoagie rolls, meatballs, and cheese in the casserole dish while the meatballs bake.