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Cheddar Ranch Meatball Bake

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Cheddar Ranch Meatball Bake is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines seasoned meatballs, ranch-infused mashed potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

¼ cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, warm)

1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix

1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter, and place them in a single layer in a baking dish.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. While the meatballs bake, prepare the mashed potatoes. If you haven’t already made them, use your favorite mashed potato recipe or simply heat up leftovers.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning with the mashed potatoes until well combined.
  7. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully spoon the ranch mashed potatoes over the top of the meatballs in the baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and meatballs.
  9. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • You can swap in turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.
  • For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meatballs or a hearty veggie filling like sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
  • Experiment with different cheese options such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.
  • Make your own ranch seasoning mix using herbs and spices like dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
  • This dish can be made gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour as a binder.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/cheddar-ranch-meatball-bake/