Description
A hearty and comforting Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake featuring savory browned meatballs nestled in rich marinara sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked casserole combines tender meatballs with smooth mashed potatoes for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for mixing into the potatoes)
Assembly & Topping
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Mashed Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated for extra creaminess.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs evenly over the sauce. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meatballs, spreading it evenly to cover the entire dish. Finally, top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside a salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- For richer mashed potatoes, substitute heavy cream for the milk.
- Cheddar cheese in the mashed potatoes is optional but adds extra creaminess and flavor.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven until warmed through.
