Cheesy Meatball Garlic Bread Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Meatball Garlic Bread Casserole! Combining the rich flavors of succulent meatballs, zesty spaghetti sauce, and ooey-gooey melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. My grandson Skyler can't get enough of it, and the twins adore every cheesy bite! With a crispy garlic bread base and a smattering of Parmesan cheese on top, this casserole is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic Bread
8 slices (Use frozen Texas-style garlic bread, with or without cheese.)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing meatballs.)
Frozen Meatballs
18 ounces (About 36 meatballs.)
Spaghetti Sauce
1 jar (28 ounces) (Your favorite brand.)
Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon (For balancing the acidity of the sauce.)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Italian Spices
1 teaspoon (Rub between the palms to release flavor.)
Water
1 cup (To thin the sauce.)
Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (Shredded, for topping.)
Parmesan Cheese
to garnish (Grated or shredded, optional.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Arrange the garlic bread slices in a single layer in an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking dish.
2
Bake the bread in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
3
While the bread is toasting, heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large frying pan over medium heat. Add the frozen meatballs and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they brown evenly.
4
Once the meatballs are lightly browned, add the spaghetti sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, Italian spices, and water to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Pour the meatball and sauce mixture evenly over the baked garlic bread in the casserole dish.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly in the center.
7
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with grated or shredded Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
22
Fat
30
Carbs
17
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Meatball Garlic Bread Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish that combines succulent meatballs, zesty spaghetti sauce, and melted mozzarella over a crispy garlic bread base.
What kind of garlic bread is best for this recipe?
Frozen Texas-style garlic bread, either with or without cheese, is recommended for this casserole.
How many slices of garlic bread do I need?
The recipe requires 8 slices of garlic bread arranged in a single layer.
Do I need to toast the garlic bread before adding the meatballs?
Yes, bake the bread for 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees F until the edges are light golden brown before adding other ingredients.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How many meatballs are used in this recipe?
You will need 18 ounces of frozen meatballs, which is approximately 36 meatballs.
Should I thaw the frozen meatballs before cooking?
No, you can sauté the frozen meatballs directly in olive oil for about 5 minutes.
Why do I need to sauté the meatballs?
Sautéing the meatballs in olive oil for 5 minutes helps ensure they brown evenly and enhances the flavor.
What size baking dish is required?
An ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How much spaghetti sauce is used?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce jar of your favorite brand of spaghetti sauce.
Why is brown sugar added to the sauce?
One tablespoon of brown sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the spaghetti sauce.
What spices are used to season the meatball mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian spices.
What is the tip for using Italian spices?
Rub the Italian spices between your palms before adding them to the pan to release their maximum flavor.
Do I need to add water to the sauce?
Yes, 1 cup of water is added to the meatball and sauce mixture to help thin the sauce.
How long does the casserole bake while covered?
Bake the casserole covered with aluminum foil for 25 to 30 minutes until it is heated through.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Add the mozzarella cheese after the initial 25 to 30 minutes of baking, then return it to the oven uncovered.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for the topping.
How long does it take for the cheese to melt?
It takes about 5 minutes in the oven for the cheese to become melted and bubbly.
Is there a garnish recommended for this dish?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle grated or shredded Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 17 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 22 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, it is a very family-friendly dish that kids, including the creator's grandchildren, enjoy immensely.
Can I use olive oil for this recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the meatballs.
Should the baking dish be greased?
The recipe specifies using an ungreased baking dish.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let the sauce set.
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen meatballs for convenience, cooked homemade meatballs can be used as a substitute.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal that combines bread, protein, and sauce in a single bake.
What is the total preparation time for the meatballs in the pan?
The meatballs are sautéed for 5 minutes and then simmered briefly with the sauce and spices before baking.