Easy Crockpot Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe with Melted Provolone Cheese
A comforting and easy slow cooker casserole combining frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, bread cubes, and melted provolone cheese for a hands-off, cheesy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds frozen pre-cooked beef or turkey meatballs
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz provolone cheese slices
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the French bread loaf into 1-inch cubes. Optionally toss cubes with a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the frozen meatballs evenly over the bread cubes.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, covering completely. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on top.
- Scatter the remaining bread cubes over the sauce layer.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until meatballs are hot and bread cubes are soft but not mushy.
- About 15 minutes before serving, layer provolone slices evenly on top and sprinkle Parmesan cheese if using. Replace lid to melt cheese.
- Once cheese is melted and bubbly, scoop casserole into bowls or plates and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
Notes
Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs to reduce cooking time and keep meatballs tender. Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture. For a bubbly cheese top, switch slow cooker to high for last 10 minutes or broil briefly after cooking. To thicken sauce, cook uncovered for last 10 minutes if needed. Optional browning of meatballs before slow cooking adds flavor but is not required.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, meatball sub, casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, provolone cheese, marinara, frozen meatballs