The Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole that combines tender meatballs nestled in creamy mashed potatoes, all topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
Why I Love This Recipe
I appreciate this recipe for its simplicity and versatility. It brings together classic comfort foods—meatballs and mashed potatoes—into a single, easy-to-prepare casserole that's both filling and flavorful. The addition of marinara sauce and melted cheese adds a delightful Italian twist, making it a go-to meal for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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For the Mashed Potatoes:
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Potatoes (gold or russet)
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Unsalted butter
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Milk (whole preferred)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Meatballs:
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Ground beef
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Large egg
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Finely chopped onion
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Dried oregano
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Salt and ground black pepper
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Additional Ingredients:
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Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Smoked mozzarella cheese, grated
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Directions
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Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
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Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
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Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous amount of salt.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Drain the water, add butter and warm milk to the potatoes, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Make the Meatballs:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
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Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
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Assemble the Casserole:
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Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly in the bottom of a casserole dish.
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Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the mashed potatoes.
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Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-covered.
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Sprinkle grated smoked mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
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Bake:
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Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden hue.
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Serve:
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Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
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Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
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Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. The preparation time is about 30 minutes, and the cooking time is around 45 minutes, making the total time approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Variations
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Cheese Options: If smoked mozzarella isn't available, I use regular mozzarella or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
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Sauce Alternatives: Sometimes, I substitute marinara sauce with a creamy Alfredo or a spicy arrabbiata to change things up.
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Vegetable Additions: I like to incorporate sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the mashed potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place a portion in the microwave until heated through or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, I often use pre-cooked store-bought meatballs to save time. I just ensure they are fully thawed before assembling the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! I assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, I bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake?
Yes, I freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. I wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, I thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
I find that a simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement this hearty dish well, adding freshness and balance to the meal.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, I ensure that all ingredients, including the marinara sauce and any seasonings, are certified gluten-free. I also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if adding them to the meatballs.
Conclusion
The Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is a delightful fusion of comforting flavors that brings warmth to any dining table. Its creamy, cheesy, and savory layers make it a family favorite, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Enjoy crafting this hearty casserole and sharing it with loved ones.
Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Description
This Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is a cozy, family-friendly casserole that combines tender meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, marinara sauce, and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners, this hearty dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- Potatoes (gold or russet)
- Unsalted butter
- Whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef
- 1 large egg
- Finely chopped onion
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Additional Ingredients:
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Smoked mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Wash, peel, and dice potatoes evenly.
- Boil in salted water until fork-tender, then drain.
- Add butter and warm milk, mash until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix ground meat, egg, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form into 1–1.5 inch balls and bake on parchment-lined sheet for 15–20 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.
- Top with baked meatballs.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over meatballs.
- Sprinkle grated smoked mozzarella on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve:
- Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use store-bought meatballs for a time-saving shortcut.
- Substitute smoked mozzarella with regular mozzarella or a cheese blend.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the mashed potatoes for a nutrition boost.
- To make ahead: assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months; thaw before baking.
