If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that’s simple and delicious, the Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is just what you need! This hearty dish combines tender meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or serving to guests. Read on to discover how to whip up this comfort food classic that promises to please everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time makes this dish a breeze to prepare.
- Simple Ingredients: You may already have most ingredients at home!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will adore this comforting meal.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of flavors creates an irresistible comfort food experience.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Meat Layer:
- 1 lb Frozen or homemade meatballs, cooked
- 1 cup Brown gravy, homemade or store-bought
- For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 4 cups Mashed potatoes, fresh or leftover
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly and becomes golden and bubbly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking while baking.
- Layer the Meatballs: Place the cooked meatballs evenly in the dish. This forms a hearty base.
- Add the Gravy: Pour the brown gravy over the meatballs. This adds moisture and flavor that ties everything together.
- Spread the Mashed Potatoes: Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meatballs and gravy, smoothing them out with a spatula. Make sure to cover everything well.
- Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. This is what will make your bake extra delicious and cheesy!
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
How to Serve Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake
Serve this delicious bake hot from the oven in generous portions. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor!
How to Store Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake
If you have leftovers, let the bake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake
- For extra flavor, mix some garlic powder or herbs into the mashed potatoes.
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or parmesan, for a unique taste.
- You can also add vegetables like peas or corn to the meatball layer for extra nutrition.
Variations
- Italian Style: Add marinara sauce instead of brown gravy for an Italian twist.
- Loaded Bake: Mix in cooked bacon bits or green onions into the mashed potatoes for an enhanced flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs work great in this recipe! Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the dish.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free meatballs and check the gravy label to make sure it is also gluten-free.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! This bake freezes well. Just assemble it, cover well, and freeze before baking. To cook from frozen, bake it for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion
The Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that’ll quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for any occasion. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to share your variations on social media—what crafty twists did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy and delicious bake that combines tender meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheese, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Frozen or homemade meatballs, cooked
- 1 cup Brown gravy, homemade or store-bought
- 4 cups Mashed potatoes, fresh or leftover
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place the cooked meatballs evenly in the dish.
- Pour the brown gravy over the meatballs.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the meatballs and gravy, smoothing them out.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and top is golden brown.
Notes
Serve hot with a green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg