Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delicious journey to Italy without ever leaving your home? The Crock Pot Meatball Sub Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the heartiness of juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled in a toasty hoagie roll. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this easy slow-cooker recipe promises to delight your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. Dive into our recipe to discover how to create this cheesy, saucy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly spraying the inner pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour approximately half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base layer.
- Add the frozen meatballs directly into the sauce, ensuring they are spread evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, completely covering them to ensure they stay moist during cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the meatballs to cook for 5-6 hours until they are heated through and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise and lightly toast them in the oven until slightly crisp.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully spoon the cheesy meatballs onto the toasted hoagie rolls.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meatballs: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality frozen meatballs or make your own if you have the time. Homemade meatballs can elevate the dish significantly!
- Layering is Key: Make sure to layer the marinara sauce and meatballs properly in the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and prevents the meatballs from drying out.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: Adding the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking allows them to melt perfectly, creating that irresistible cheesy topping.
- Toasting the Rolls: Lightly toasting the hoagie rolls not only adds texture but also helps them hold up against the saucy filling, preventing sogginess.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this step; it makes the dish visually appealing and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve with Extra Sauce: Always have some extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleaser and adds an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
- Make it Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight before cooking it the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
