Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

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A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Casserole with Savory Meatballs and Creamy Potatoes

Introduction

This Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy homemade meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese into one hearty dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is easy to assemble yet impressive enough for special occasions.

The Italian-seasoned meatballs nestle into a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes, while the golden, cheesy topping adds a satisfying crunch. Whether served as a main course or side dish, this bake is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
  • ¼ cup (25g) breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Bake

  • 4 cups (900g) prepared mashed potatoes (warm)
  • ½ cup (55g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

(Optional: 1 cup marinara sauce for extra sauciness)

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

  1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until combined.
  2. Roll into 1-inch meatballs (about 20).
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (5–6 minutes total).

2. Assemble the Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread mashed potatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Arrange meatballs over the potatoes.
  4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

3. Bake & Serve

  1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Success

✔ Use leftover mashed potatoes for quicker prep.
✔ For extra flavor, mix ½ tsp onion powder into the meatballs.
✔ Shortcut: Use frozen meatballs (thawed) instead of homemade.
✔ Storage: Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

Serving Suggestions

  • With steamed green beans or roasted carrots.
  • Drizzled with gravy or marinara sauce.
  • As a holiday side dish alongside roast turkey.

Conclusion

This Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is comfort food at its finest—creamy, savory, and endlessly satisfying. The simple preparation and flexible ingredients make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Variation: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.

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