Meatball Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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)

Preparation

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