Description
This Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake combines tender meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, all baked together for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for a richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For Assembly:
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep your meatballs tender. - Step 3: Shape and Cook the Meatballs
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Tip: You can also bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes for a hands-off approach. - Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatballs are cooking, boil the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy. - Step 5: Assemble the Bake
In the prepared baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce (if using) on the bottom. Place the cooked meatballs evenly over the sauce, then spread the mashed potatoes on top. Tip: Use a spatula to smooth the potatoes for an even layer. - Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for an extra cheesy finish. - Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. - Step 8: Serve
Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving
Notes
- You can customize this bake by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the meatballs or mashed potatoes.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
