GAME DAY MEATBALL CASSEROLE ... #1 GAME DAY FOOD!
1 garlic french bread
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
3/4 tsp anise seed or fennel seed
3/4 tsp garlic powder
3 oz butter, room temperature
1/2 lb frozen meatballs, thawed to room temperature
1 large jar of Prego spaghetti sauce, any flavor
4 c mozzarella cheese 1/2 c Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil or Italian dressing for drizzling on top (I prefer the Italian dressing for this because it adds a lot more flavor, but your choice.)
These literally fly off the table on game day. One thing I know about men in particular... they like their meatballs! Spicy, tomatoey, cheesy, meatball goodness all in one pan. Feed many at a time. This really is a winner! One bite you will be addicted! No help for it!
Spray 9x13 baking dish or large pizza pan with non stick spray. Heat oven to 350 degrees.Slice the bread into 3/4 inch slices and place snugly into the baking dish or pizza pan.
Combine cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and anise or fennel. Mix well and spread on top of all the bread slices.
Cut meatballs in half and place them in tight rows over the whole top of casserole, making sure the rounded part is on top.
Next, spoon spaghetti sauce over the top. You don't want it really soggy so just enough to lightly cover.
Top with mozzarella cheese. Add the Parmesan cheese to the top of mozzarella. Lightly drizzle with a little olive oil or Italian dressing and bake in the oven for 30-45 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted to your liking!
Then just use a spatula (or your fingers) to remove them from pan and enjoy!
*** If you are feeling ambitious, you can always make your own meatballs but for the sake of convenience I have used the frozen meatballs for this recipe.
*** If you want this casserole loaded, don't be shy! Add black olives, green olives, corn, banana peppers or bell peppers. The sky is the limit on what you can add to this casserole!
*** Feel free to use Italian sausage links, sliced into 1 inch pieces or smaller, your preference. I have even used ground beef ... just chopped it, cooked it, and spread it on top of the bread for this recipe.
