Meatball Sub Sandwich Casserole

Winter supper at its best! Comfort food with a tantalizing sauce & lovely meatballs. Get the kids in on the act, rolling meatballs is fun and gooshy (okay, everyone, "Wash your hands first!"). Thanks to Taste of Home's Quick Cooking 2000 year book for their inspiration.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 1 13x9

Ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup  chopped onion
• 1⁄4 cup  breadcrumbs or 1⁄4 cup  crushed  saltine
• 3  tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• 1  lb ground beef or 1  lb  ground venison
• 1  loaf  Italian bread, 1-inch cubes (1 lb loaf)
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise (no substitutes)
• 1  teaspoon  mixed Italian herbs (basil, oregano...)
•  salt & pepper
• 2  cups  shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1  quart  spaghetti sauce (or 28 oz can)
• 1  cup water
• 4  garlic cloves, minced (or pressed)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. In a bowl, combine onions, crumbs & cheese; add beef and mix well.
3. Shape beef into 1-inch balls; place on rimmed cookie sheet; bake for 15-20 minutes (no longer pink in center); turn oven down to 350.
4. Meanwhile, arrange bread cubes in an UNgreased 13x9 pan.
5. Combine cream cheese, mayo, seasonings, and S&P; spread over bread.
6. Sprinkle one cup Mozzarella cheese over the cream-cheese mixture layer.
7. Combine sauce, water & garlic; add meatballs and gently mix; pour this over the cheese layer.
8. Sprinkle remaining Mozzarella.
9. Bake (uncovered) at 350 for 30 minutes (top will be bubbly and quite fragrant).
10. OPTIONS: Use half Cheddar and half Mozzarella; try some sliced black olives; sprinkle some grated zucchini in for added nutritional value (and get a few veggies past the kids!--it's the secret ingredient).