Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory gravy topped with melted cheese, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs, cooked
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftovers)
• 1 cup brown gravy (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare meatballs by cooking frozen meatballs according to package directions, or make homemade meatballs using ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, then cook thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Make mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. Mash with butter and milk until smooth. If using leftovers, reheat with extra butter or milk to restore creaminess.
3. Step 3: Heat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat. For added flavor, season with garlic or onion powder if desired.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Assemble the casserole by layering the cooked meatballs in the baking dish. Pour the warm gravy evenly over the meatballs.
6. Step 6: Spread the mashed potatoes over the gravy-covered meatballs, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time and add a deeper flavor.
• Try different cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack for varied taste.
• Add cooked vegetables, such as peas or corn, between layers for extra nutrition.
• Swap brown gravy for mushroom or beef gravy to customize the flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to retain texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh homemade meatballs work wonderfully. Just ensure they are fully cooked before assembling the bake.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the bake, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 133 reviews

This comforting Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake combines tender meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, rich brown gravy, and melted cheese into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for a cozy family meal or an easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meatballs

• 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs, cooked

Mashed Potatoes

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftovers)

Gravy

• 1 cup brown gravy (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: garlic powder or onion powder, to taste

Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Meatballs: Cook frozen meatballs according to the package directions, or make homemade ones by mixing ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and your preferred seasonings. Cook thoroughly until browned and set aside.
2. Make Mashed Potatoes: Peel and boil potatoes until tender. Mash them with butter and milk until smooth. If using leftover mashed potatoes, reheat and add extra butter or milk to achieve creamy consistency.
3. Heat Gravy: Warm brown gravy in a saucepan over medium heat. For enhanced flavor, season with garlic powder or onion powder to your taste.
4. Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Place the cooked meatballs evenly in the dish. Pour warm gravy over the meatballs, then evenly spread the mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese as the final layer. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Bake: Place the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Notes

• You can customize the meatballs with your preferred meat such as beef, pork, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
• Use leftover mashed potatoes for a quicker assembly and less prep time.
• Adding garlic or onion powder to the gravy adds depth and flavor, but is optional.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them from meatballs and verify gravy ingredients.
• For a crispier cheese topping, broil the bake for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Keywords: meatball casserole, mashed potato bake, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy meatballs, baked meatballs and potatoes