My New Favorite Casserole

I don't know if you're anything like me, but when I get an idea in my head, I just have to see it through.  The other day I was thinking about meatball subs?!  Random.  I used to eat them growing up...from the school cafeteria of all places...and I loved them.  Such a yum, hearty meal.  Anywho, I had it in my mind that I HAD to have a meatball sandwich for dinner.  But I wanted something a little different!  SO...I found this AMAZING recipe that require all of NO effort and that, to me, is a recipe for success!!!  Mr. Spouse RAVED about it, so I know it was good!!!!!

MEATBALL SANDWICH CASSEROLE

1 Baguette French Bread {cut into 18-24 slices, 1/4 inch thick}

Olive Oil

1 pkg. frozen Italian meatballs, bite sized {about 1 lb.}

1 pkg. frozen onion & bell pepper mix, thawed & drained

1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce {I used Classico Tomato & Basil...HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!}

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350.  Meanwhile, slice your bread.

Brush each slice with olive oil on one side.  I didn't use any measurements for this...I just coated with my pastry brush! Line the bottom and the side with the bread slices...oil side up...slightly overlapping the slices on the side.  You won't need to grease your dish for this recipe!  {You'll need a deep casserole dish for this meal.  The original recipe suggests a pie plate, but there's NO way that would've worked!  I used my 1 qt. Corningware and it was PERFECT!!!!}

Bake bread for about 5-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.  Ummmm...I sorta forgot that the bread was in the oven, so mine stayed in for about 10-13 minutes and it was PERFECT!!  Fortunate mistake!!!

In a separate bowl, mix meatballs, bell pepper & onion mix, & spaghetti sauce to coat.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Tomato & Basil by Classico.  SOOOOO good!!!!!

Remove the bread from the oven and spoon the meatball mixture into the dish on top of the bread.  Return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until thoroughly heated through in the center. 

I pulled it out at about 25 minutes and covered with the mozzarella cheese and baked it for another 5 minutes or so...PERFECTION!!!!!!!!!

 

I am NOT kidding you when I say that this is one of the BEST new recipes I've ever tried!!!  Mr. Spouse says that it's a DEFINITE keeper.  He even saved it for leftovers!!!!   As soon as he took a bite, he said "I love the crunchiness of the bread with the softness of the meatballs."  I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE me some crunchy bread.  He was SO right!  That definitely made the meal!  As you can see, it seriously took little to no effort to prepare.  Mr. Spouse emailed me at work the next day to tell me it was AWESOME as leftovers....that NEVER happens!!!!  I can't wait to try this one again!!!!!!!!