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
Scale
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.
