Meatball Sub Bubble Up Bake is a delightful twist on the classic meatball sub, combining the savory goodness of meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese with the fluffiness of biscuit dough. This dish is quick to assemble and perfect for a family dinner or a game day snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits): These form the base of the bake, providing a soft, fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the hearty meatballs.
- 1 (14 oz) bag frozen Italian meatballs, thawed: Use pre-cooked meatballs for convenience, making this dish quick and easy to prepare.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the marinara sauce and meatballs.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated: This melts over the bake, creating a deliciously cheesy top layer.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the biscuits to a golden brown.
2. Prepare the Biscuits:
- Cut the Biscuits:
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them. Cut each biscuit into quarters, creating smaller pieces that will “bubble up” during baking.
- Arrange in Baking Dish:
- Spread the biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will form the base layer of your bake.
3. Add the Meatballs:
- Distribute the Meatballs:
- Place the thawed meatballs on top of the biscuit pieces. Try to space them out evenly so that each serving gets a good mix of biscuit and meatball.
4. Add Marinara Sauce and Seasoning:
- Pour the Sauce:
- Evenly pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and biscuits. Ensure that all the meatballs are well coated with sauce.
- Season the Bake:
- Sprinkle the garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the marinara sauce. This adds extra flavor to the dish, making it even more delicious.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Top with Cheese:
- Generously sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the entire dish. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, bubbly topping that’s irresistible.
6. Bake the Dish:
- Bake in Oven:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check for Doneness:
- The bake is ready when the biscuits have puffed up and turned golden, and the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned in spots.
7. Serve:
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve portions.
- Serve Warm:
- Scoop out portions of the Meatball Sub Bubble Up Bake and serve warm. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Thaw the Meatballs: Make sure the meatballs are fully thawed before adding them to the bake. This ensures they heat evenly with the rest of the dish.
- Use Homemade Marinara: If you have the time, making your own marinara sauce can add a personal touch to the dish. You can control the seasoning and customize the flavor to your liking.
- Add Extra Toppings: For a twist, consider adding sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions before baking.
- Watch the Biscuits: Keep an eye on the biscuits as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Yes, you can use homemade or store-bought fresh meatballs. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the bake.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the bake up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- What can I serve with this bake? This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but these sides can make it more complete.
Meatball Sub Bubble Up Bake is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the flavors of a classic meatball sub in an easy-to-make casserole form. With tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, fluffy biscuits, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is comfort food at its best. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this bake, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and seasonings
