Meatball Sub Casserole

yooper's Note:

Wonderful take on the Italian Meatball Sandwich. Taken from "Quick Cooking" Magazine.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1⁄3; 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 ounces cream cheese , softened
• ½ cup mayonnaise (not low-fat or lite)
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
• 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 garlic cloves , minced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. In a bowl, combine onions, bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Add beef and mix well.
4. shape into 1-inch balls; place on a rack.
5. In a shall baking pan, bake for 15-20 minutes or until no longer pink. (Or cook in a skillet on medium heat.).
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350.
7. Meanwhile, arrange bread in a single layer in an ungreased 13x9x2" baking dish.
8. (All of the bread might not be used.).
9. Combine cream cheese, mayo, Italian seasoning and pepper; spread over the bread.
10. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella.
11. Combine sauce, water and garlic; add meatballs.
12. Pour over cheese mixture; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
13. Bake, uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Reviews

[Scott Keith]

I doubled the meatball part and used Bertoli roasted garlic and onion spaghetti sauce. It tasted good but the bread on the bottom was mostly soggy. If you can get past the soggy bread then you should like this recipe. Don't think I'd make this again. One thing I did learn from this is that meatballs with green onions instead of regular onions tastes better. No egg required for your meatballs too.

[sml212]

I have made this casserole numerous time and it is wonderful. It is one of my favorite recipes of all time.

[jnmoonprincess]

i followed the recipe (mostly) and it turned out really good! as for all the other reviews on the soggy bread... it's supposed to be like that i think...
what i changed was:
-regular onion instead of green onions (i don't keep green onions on hand)
-light miracle whip (even though the recipe says not to, mine still turned out fine)
-i used whole wheat bread and toasted it
-instead of leaving the bread whole, i cut it into cubes.