Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake has everything you could want in a meal: rich, flavorful meatballs, velvety mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, all smothered in savory brown gravy. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought meatballs, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to your liking with different cheese, gravy, or garnishes. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great option for meal prepping or even a make-ahead freezer meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs, fully cooked

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (freshly made or leftovers)

• 1 ½ cups brown gravy (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread the fully cooked meatballs evenly in a baking dish.

3. Top the meatballs with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the meatballs to create a layer of creamy potatoes.

4. Pour the brown gravy over the mashed potatoes, ensuring an even distribution.

5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

8. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheese: Try swapping out the mozzarella or cheddar for other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

• Gravy: You can use a homemade or store-bought brown gravy, or experiment with different gravies, such as a mushroom gravy or a turkey gravy if you prefer.

• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, add cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans between the layers.

• Meatballs: If you prefer a lighter option, try using turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef.

• Spices: You can season the mashed potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought mashed potatoes, or even leftover mashed potatoes, for a quicker version of this dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking it. Just be sure to bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

4. How do I keep the mashed potatoes from getting too dry in the oven?

Make sure to spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatballs and pour enough gravy on top to keep them moist. The cheese will also help seal in moisture while baking.

5. Can I make this recipe without gravy?

If you prefer, you can make the dish without gravy, or substitute it with a creamy sauce, such as a white sauce or even a simple sour cream topping.

6. Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, frozen meatballs work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure they are fully cooked before assembling the dish.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Parmesan, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses would work well in this dish.

8. Can I make the meatballs from scratch?

Yes, making homemade meatballs is a great option for this dish. You can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken and season them to your liking.

9. How can I add vegetables to this recipe?

You can add cooked vegetables such as peas, carrots, corn, or even spinach between the layers of meatballs and mashed potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

10. How long should I bake the dish for?

Bake the Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Conclusion

The Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Whether you're preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to please. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, store it for later, or make it ahead of time for convenience. However you serve it, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends!