Description
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup milk
¼ cup butter
¼ cup sour cream
Salt & pepper to taste
For Assembly:
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs.
Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread mashed potatoes in a greased baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and place meatballs on top. Sprinkle
with mozzarella cheese.
Bake & Serve: Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Kcal: 450 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Meatball Mashed Potato Bake.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: With slightly damp hands, roll the mixture into uniform, 1-inch meatballs. This ensures even cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, working in batches if needed, and brown on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they will finish in the oven. Set aside.
- Cook and Mash Potatoes: While the meatballs cook, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly, then return to the pot. Mash with milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Layers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the potatoes, then arrange the browned meatballs on top. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the casserole is heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, try roasted green beans or garlic breadsticks for dipping. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave.
How-to Summary
Create a comforting casserole by mixing and browning beef meatballs, preparing creamy mashed potatoes, and layering them in a dish with marinara and mozzarella cheese before baking until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a blend can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed, as leaner meats may cook faster.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the entire bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warm.
Can I freeze the Meatball Mashed Potato Bake? It’s best frozen before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
My mashed potatoes are gluey. What happened? This is often caused by over-mashing, which releases too much starch. Mash just until smooth and avoid using a food processor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: This compacts the proteins, leading to tough, dense meatballs. Mix ingredients just until combined.
- Underseasoning the Potatoes: Potatoes need a generous amount of salt. Season the boiling water and taste the mash before assembling.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meatballs first adds crucial flavor and texture. Don’t add them raw to the bake.
- Using Watery Mashed Potatoes: Ensure your potatoes are drained very well after boiling to prevent a soggy casserole base.
Conclusion
This Meatball Mashed Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining familiar favorites into one satisfying dish. With its simple preparation, make-ahead flexibility, and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a delicious, cheesy, and hearty meal that everyone will love.
