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Hearty Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Oh, hello there! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for those meals that just feel like a warm hug from the inside out. Well, get ready, because this Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is exactly that! It’s honestly one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty, satisfying, and super easy to throw together. Think of it as a cozy hug in a baking dish, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you just need a little bit of homestyle comfort. My granny always said the best meals come from the heart, and this one definitely does!

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Why You’ll Love This Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

  • It’s incredibly easy to make – perfect for beginners!
  • Super comforting and satisfying for the whole family.
  • A fantastic weeknight dinner that comes together quickly.
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit.
  • So delicious, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Riley’s Kitchen Comforts: A Personal Touch to the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

You know, my granny’s kitchen was always my favorite place on earth. It wasn’t about fancy gadgets or complicated techniques; it was about simple, honest food made with love. She’d make these hearty dishes that just made you feel good, like she was tucking you in with a warm blanket. This Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake really reminds me of those times. It’s that kind of food – unpretentious, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. It’s inspired by those core memories of family dinners, where the most important ingredient was always how much you cared about the people you were feeding.

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row and gather everything we need for this amazing Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake. It’s always good to have everything prepped and ready to go, makes the whole process so much smoother! Don’t worry if you don’t have Yukon Golds, any good mashing potato like Russets will work just fine. Just make sure you’ve got all your little bits and bobs measured out, and we’ll be well on our way to comfort food heaven!

Meatball Ingredients

For our delicious meatballs, you’ll need: 1 pound of good quality ground beef (I like an 80/20 blend for flavor!), 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk to keep them tender, 1 egg to bind everything together, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that salty kick, and about a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Oh, and of course, a good pinch of salt and pepper!

Mashed Potato Ingredients

For that creamy, dreamy mashed potato topping, we’ll grab 2 pounds of potatoes – peeled and cut into nice, even cubes so they cook evenly. You’ll also need another 1/2 cup of milk and 4 tablespoons of butter to make them super smooth. Plus, a little salt and pepper to season them just right.

Assembly & Topping Ingredients

And for the finishing touches that tie it all together, we’ll need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar is my favorite here – and about 1/2 cup of your go-to marinara sauce. Simple, right?

Crafting Your Perfect Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Now for the fun part – bringing it all together! This is where the magic really happens, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think. We’ll tackle the meatballs first, then get those potatoes mashed up, and finally, layer everything for a bake that’s going to knock your socks off. Don’t rush this part; enjoy the process, and imagine how amazing it’s going to taste!

Preparing the Flavorful Meatballs

First things first, let’s get those meatballs ready. In a nice big bowl, toss in your ground beef, breadcrumbs, that 1/4 cup of milk, the egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and your salt and pepper. Now, the key here is to mix it all up gently with your hands. You don’t want to overwork the meat, or the meatballs can get a bit tough. Just mix until everything is combined. Then, roll them into small, bite-sized meatballs – about an inch in diameter is perfect. Pop them into your baking dish in a single layer. Easy peasy!

Creating Creamy Mashed Potatoes

While you’re rolling those meatballs, get a pot of water on the stove for your potatoes. Once they’re boiling and nice and tender – usually about 15-20 minutes, depending on how small you cut them – drain them really well. You don’t want any extra water lurking in there! Now, back in the pot, add the butter, the other 1/2 cup of milk, and some salt and pepper. Mash away until they’re super smooth and creamy. I like to use a potato masher, but a sturdy fork works too. Just aim for that lovely, fluffy texture.

Assembling the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Okay, we’re almost there! Carefully spread that delicious, creamy mashed potato mixture evenly over the top of your meatballs in the baking dish. Make sure you get it right to the edges. Then, spoon your marinara sauce over the mashed potatoes. Don’t go too crazy with the sauce, just enough to add that lovely tomato flavor. Finally, sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. See? It’s already looking like a masterpiece!

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Baking and Resting the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Pop that beautiful dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the meatballs to be cooked through and the cheese on top to be perfectly melted and bubbly, maybe even a little golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, the hardest part: letting it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes it much easier to serve. Plus, it gives you a moment to really appreciate what you’ve made!

Tips for a Phenomenal Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

You want this comfort food meatball bake to be absolutely perfect, right? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years to make sure it turns out amazing every single time. It’s all about those little details that really elevate a dish!

Achieving Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes

For the creamiest mashed potatoes, make sure your milk and butter are warm before you add them. And please, don’t over-mash! Stop as soon as they’re smooth; over-mashing can make them gummy. A potato ricer is fantastic if you have one!

Meatball Moisture and Flavor Tips

To keep your meatballs moist and flavorful, try not to overmix the meatball mixture. Just combine until everything is incorporated. Also, using an 80/20 ground beef blend really makes a difference for that extra richness and moisture.

Making Your Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake Ahead

You can totally prep this ahead! Make the meatballs and mash the potatoes separately and store them in the fridge. Then, just assemble and bake when you’re ready. Or, assemble the whole thing and cover it tightly, then bake when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes for this Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using good quality pre-made mashed potatoes is a lifesaver. Just make sure they’re creamy and seasoned well. You might want to warm them up slightly before spreading them over the meatballs for easier handling and better overall baking.

What are good side dishes to serve with this Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake?

This homestyle meatball bake is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add something extra, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is lovely. Some steamed green beans or a side of roasted broccoli also pair wonderfully without overpowering the main dish.

How do I reheat leftovers of the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake?

Reheating is super simple! You can pop individual portions in the microwave until heated through. If you have a larger amount, the oven is great too – just cover it loosely with foil and bake at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed all the way through. It’s still delicious the next day!

Delicious Variations for Your Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

While this meatball and mashed potato bake is fantastic as is, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up! Here are a few ideas to make your comfort food meatball dish even more special:

  • Cheesy Meatball Mashed Potato Bake: Amp up the cheese factor by adding a layer of mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses along with the cheddar. You could even mix some cream cheese into the mashed potatoes for an extra creamy meatball potato casserole.
  • Veggie Boost: Stir some cooked peas, corn, or finely chopped carrots into the mashed potato layer before spreading it over the meatballs. It adds a nice bit of color and extra nutrients!
  • Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or swirl a bit of your favorite hot sauce into the marinara.
  • Different Sauces: Feeling adventurous? Try a creamy mushroom sauce or a rich gravy instead of marinara for a different take on this easy meatball and mashed potato casserole.

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Nutritional Estimate for the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Just a little note here – the nutritional information for this Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is an estimate, you know? It can change a bit depending on exactly what ingredients you use, like the fat content of your ground beef or the brand of cheese. Your portion sizes can affect it too, of course! So, think of these numbers as a helpful guide rather than a strict rulebook.

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Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Hearty Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

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A comforting and easy Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This dish combines savory meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
  3. Place meatballs in a single layer in a baking dish.
  4. Boil the cubed potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  5. Mash the potatoes with 1/2 cup milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish.
  7. Pour marinara sauce over the mashed potatoes.
  8. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a quicker prep, use pre-made mashed potatoes.
  • Add your favorite vegetables like peas or carrots to the bake.
  • You can also use a mix of ground beef and pork for the meatballs.
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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