Meatball Casserole

• 2 lbs ground beef, shaped into meatballs (see Kittencal's Italian Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatballs)
• 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-in slices
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (not salad dressing, also do not use light or fat-free)
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• pepper
• 1 pinch dry basil (optional)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or more if desired)
• 28 ounces favorite marinara sauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or to taste)

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 13x9 casserole dish.
3. Bake meatballs on a shallow rack for 15-20 minutes.
4. Arrange bread in a single layer in a casserole dish.
5. (all of the bread might not be used).
6. Combine cream cheese, mayo, italian seasoning pinch basil (if using) and pepper.
7. Spread over the bread.
8. Sprinkle with just a little more than half of the mozzeralla cheese.
9. Combine sauce, water and garlic; add meatballs.
10. Pour over cheese mixture.
11. Sprinkle with remaining mozza cheese.
12. Bake uncovered, for 30 minutes or until heated through.

ground beef, italian bread, cream cheese, mayonnaise, italian seasoning, pepper, basil, mozzarella cheese, favorite marinara sauce, water, garlic

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/meatball-casserole-70205 (may not work)