Description
A comforting and hearty Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake combining juicy browned meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner with a classic baked finish.
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 you want extra creaminess, add the shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes and mix until melted and combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the marinara sauce 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. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Using heavy cream instead of milk in the mashed potatoes will make them extra creamy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese in the mashed potatoes adds extra flavor and richness but can be omitted for a simpler dish.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs thoroughly to develop flavor before baking.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
