If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, heartiness, and a burst of cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe will become your new family favorite. Layered with tender homemade meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, it’s the perfect way to satisfy those cozy cravings. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of savory flavors and textures that make it impossible to resist, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to whipping up this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe. Each component contributes something wonderful: juicy, flavorful meatballs, creamy potatoes for smoothness, and rich cheeses that bring everything together in perfect harmony.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey): Provides the meaty base filled with savory flavor and protein.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and adds a subtle texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a sharp, salty note that enhances the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Freshens up the mixture with a touch of herbaceous brightness.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep those meatballs together.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds savory depth and warmth to the meatballs.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a little background kick and aroma.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying): For browning meatballs to a perfect golden crust.
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead of time): Creamy and seasoned, this creates the comforting base layer.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to add sharpness and color.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese: Brings creamy, stringy meltiness that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess to the mashed potato layer.
- 1/4 cup milk: Used to smooth out the mashed potatoes for a luscious texture.
- 1 tbsp butter: Enriches the mashed potatoes with a velvety finish.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Sprinkled into potatoes for an extra savory touch.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile of the mashed potatoes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning the potato mixture perfectly.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce): Adds a subtle acidity and moisture to balance richness.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): A final touch that brings freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures each meatball will be packed full of flavor and held together just right. This step is where your casserole’s rich, savory foundation begins!
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter—perfect for even cooking. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the meatballs in batches. Brown them on all sides, which locks in their juices and gives them a lovely crust. This stage is all about building flavor and texture that will shine through once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mashed Potato Layer
While your meatballs are cooling a bit, mix together the prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture should be silky, fluffy, and packed with creamy, savory goodness that will perfectly complement the meatballs and cheese in your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly in a casserole dish. Next, nestle the browned meatballs on top, distributing them so every bite will have a bit of meaty goodness. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, adding just a hint of tang and moisture. Top everything with the remaining mashed potatoes, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the top. This layering creates a beautiful medley of flavors and textures once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place your casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden on top. This step finishes the casserole off by melding all the flavors together and creating that irresistible crust of melted cheese that makes this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top not only adds a pop of vibrant green to brighten up your casserole but also lends a fresh herbal note that balances the richness perfectly. A dollop of sour cream on the side can enhance creaminess even further and bring a touch of cool tang to each bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. These sides add freshness and crunch, making your meal balanced and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve individual portions of the casserole in small ramekins topped with additional cheese and a cherry tomato for color. Alternatively, you can add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully and keeps its creamy, cheesy texture well, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this casserole freezes nicely. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use an airtight container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works just as well in this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe. It absorbs all the herbs and spices nicely, making the dish just as delicious.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and cook the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge. This can make assembling the casserole faster and less stressful when you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
No worries. You can substitute with plain tomato sauce, a bit of canned diced tomatoes, or a simple mixture of tomato paste thinned with a little water and seasoned with Italian herbs.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade?
Of course! While homemade mashed potatoes add a richer flavor, good-quality instant mashed potatoes can be a convenient shortcut without compromising much on taste or texture.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing after it’s baked?
It’s best to freeze this casserole before baking for the best texture and quality. Freezing after baking is possible but the texture of the potatoes and cheese may change slightly when reheated.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines so many comforting elements in one dish. With its layers of savory meatballs, fluffy potatoes, and melty cheeses, it’s sure to become a trusted staple in your recipe box. I really hope you give it a try and experience just how effortless and rewarding homemade comfort food can be!
Print
Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole combines juicy browned meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. A comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners that bring together savory flavors and cheesy goodness in a single casserole.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead of time, creamy and seasoned)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the meatballs: Form the meat mixture into small meatballs about 1-inch in diameter, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are nicely browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the mashed potato mixture: In a bowl, mix together the prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Assemble and bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly as the base layer. Arrange the cooked meatballs evenly over the mashed potatoes. Spread the remaining mashed potatoes on top of the meatballs. Pour marinara sauce over the top layer, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time to speed up assembly.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning in mashed potatoes to your liking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
