Description
This Cozy Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of creamy mashed potatoes, savory cooked meatballs, rich brown gravy, and melted cheese come together to create a warm and satisfying casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatball Layer
- 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs, fully cooked
Mashed Potato Layer
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (freshly made or leftovers)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1½ cups brown gravy (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season them lightly with salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavor.
- Add Meatballs: Arrange the fully cooked meatballs evenly on top of the mashed potato layer, distributing them so every bite has some meat.
- Pour Gravy: Drizzle the brown gravy over the meatballs and mashed potatoes, ensuring everything is nicely covered for moisture and flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a gooey, golden crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the entire casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot to enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use leftover mashed potatoes or freshly made for this recipe.
- Choose your preferred cheese—mozzarella gives a mild melt, cheddar adds a sharper flavor.
- For a thicker gravy, reduce it slightly before drizzling; for thinner gravy, add a splash of broth or water.
- Feel free to swap meatballs for a vegetarian alternative if desired.
- To save time, prepare meatballs and mashed potatoes ahead of time and assemble the bake when ready.
