Italian meatball sandwich casserole

Submitted By: Holly

All the ingredients for a meatball sandwich are here, just assembled in a different manner. This recipe is always a hit at our house. We NEVER have any leftovers, it is so good!

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ready In: 1 Hour

Yields: 5 servings

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 pound ground beef

1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread, cut into 1 inch cubes

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

3 cups spaghetti sauce

1 cup water

2 cloves garlic, minced

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).

Mix together onions, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and ground beef. Roll into 1 inch diameter balls, and place in a baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in an ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish. Mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning and black pepper until smooth. Spread this mixture over each bread cube. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the grated mozzarella cheese.

In a large bowl, mix together spaghetti sauce, water, and garlic. Gently stir in meatballs. Pour over the bread and cheese mixture in the baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until heated through.