Description
Cheesy Meatball Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Base:
4 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Casserole:
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 12-15 small meatballs.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked.
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread marinara sauce over the mashed potatoes. Place the cooked meatballs on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs.
Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!
This comforting casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed guide. First, ensure your meatball mixture is well-combined but not overworked to keep the meatballs tender. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, ensuring even cooking. For the mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Russets for the fluffiest texture. After spreading the potatoes, create a slight well in the center to help contain the sauce. When assembling, gently press each meatball into the sauce layer so they sit securely. For optimal browning, place the casserole under the broiler for the final 1-2 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bit. For a vegetable-forward option, roasted green beans or steamed broccoli make excellent, healthy accompaniments.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix and bake beef meatballs. Separately, boil and mash potatoes with butter and milk. Layer mashed potatoes in a dish, top with marinara sauce, cooked meatballs, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, then garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or a blend of beef and pork work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
My mashed potatoes are too runny. How can I fix this? Ensure you drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly. You can also return the mashed potatoes to the warm pot for a minute, stirring, to evaporate excess moisture before assembling.
Can I freeze this casserole? It’s best frozen before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using cold ingredients for the meatball mixture, as it can lead to overmixing. Have your egg and milk at room temperature.
- Do not skip pre-baking the meatballs. This renders fat and sets their shape, preventing a greasy casserole.
- Do not over-mash the potatoes, as they can become gluey. Mash just until smooth.
- Avoid spreading the marinara sauce directly on the baking dish; the potato layer acts as a crucial barrier to prevent sogginess.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Meatball Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining familiar favorites into one satisfying dish. Its layered approach of savory meatballs, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese is consistently a crowd-pleaser. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can achieve a perfect, bubbly result every time. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customization and is sure to become a cherished staple in your family dinner rotation.