Meatball Mashed Potato Bake

$For a tasty Meatball Mashed Potato Bake, you'll need: - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup butter - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients come together to create a warm and filling meal. Ground beef or turkey forms the base, while breadcrumbs and Parmesan add flavor. The egg binds the meatballs, and garlic gives them a lovely aroma. You can personalize your bake with these fun additions: - Chopped onions for a sweet crunch - Spinach or kale for extra greens - Different cheese types, like cheddar or gouda - Red pepper flakes for some heat These options let you adjust the dish to your taste. Feel free to mix and match as you like. To enhance your bake, consider these toppings: - Extra mozzarella for a cheesier finish - Fresh basil leaves for a hint of freshness - A drizzle of olive oil for richness - Crushed red pepper for spice These toppings add layers of flavor and make your dish stand out. You can also let your creativity shine with these suggestions. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. In a large bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef or turkey with 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 egg. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until it’s well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch wide. Next, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet since they will finish in the oven. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Now, it’s time to cook the potatoes. Boil a pot of salted water and add 4 large, peeled, and cubed potatoes. Cook these for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well. Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter. Mash them until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step gives your dish a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the meatballs. Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly at the bottom. Layer the browned meatballs over the sauce. Then, carefully spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the meatballs. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the mashed potatoes. To finish, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to become bubbly and golden. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family! To make great meatballs, choose the right meat. I like ground beef or turkey. Mix it well with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. This mix keeps them moist. Don't overwork the meat; just blend until combined. Shape them into balls about one inch wide. Browning adds flavor, so cook them in a hot skillet. They should brown on all sides but not be fully cooked. This step makes sure they stay juicy. Start with large potatoes for the best mash. Peel and cube them for quicker cooking. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well to remove excess water. Return them to the pot and add warm milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking. Layer the marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This keeps the meatballs moist. After adding the meatballs and mashed potatoes, spread the remaining sauce on top. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This helps steam the dish and cook everything through. Remove the foil later to let the cheese brown. Bake until bubbly and golden for that perfect finish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your meatballs. Consider adding chopped fresh basil or parsley to the meat mixture for a more vibrant taste. Perfectly Mashed Potatoes: For creamier mashed potatoes, use warm milk and melted butter. This helps the potatoes absorb the liquid better, resulting in a smoother texture. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types! Adding a blend of cheddar and mozzarella can give your bake a unique flavor profile. Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the bake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven the next day for a quick dinner. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Ground turkey works great instead of beef. It gives a lighter taste while still being tasty. You can also use chicken or pork. For a fun twist, try meatballs made from sausage. They add a spicy kick to the bake. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to match the meat you choose. If you want a meat-free version, I have great options. Use lentils or chickpeas for the base. These add protein and flavor. You can also use a store-bought meat substitute. Look for veggie meatballs that taste good. You can follow the same steps to make the bake, just swap the meat and add extra herbs for flavor. You can make this dish healthier without losing taste. Instead of white potatoes, try sweet potatoes. They add a nice sweetness and are full of vitamins. Use low-fat milk and butter to cut calories. You can also swap the mozzarella for a lighter cheese like ricotta. Finally, use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber. These swaps keep your dish tasty and nutritious. To keep your Meatball Mashed Potato Bake fresh, let it cool first. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Reheat your leftovers easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. To freeze, cut the bake into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare the Meatball Mashed Potato Bake in advance. Make the meatballs and mashed potatoes, then layer them in the baking dish. Cover and store in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy for busy nights! You can serve a fresh salad or steamed veggies with this dish. A simple green salad with a light dressing goes well. You might also enjoy garlic bread on the side for extra flavor. These options add color and balance to your meal, making it even more enjoyable. The bake is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden. You can also check the meatballs. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you see a nice golden crust on top, that’s a good sign! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Meatball Mashed Potato Bake. We covered key ingredients, optional add-ins, and tasty toppings. I provided step-by-step instructions for each part, like preparing meatballs and cooking mashed potatoes. You learned tips for perfect texture and creaminess. I also explored variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. With these details, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Enjoy making this dish again and again!$

Meatball Mashed Potato Bake

A comforting dish featuring meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes baked with marinara sauce and cheese.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 unit egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
to taste salt and pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
0.5 cup milk
0.25 cup butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. They don't need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish baking in the oven. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In a pot of boiling salted water, add the cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Return the potatoes to the pot. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer the browned meatballs over the sauce, then spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatballs. Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the mashed potatoes.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the bake.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use ground turkey for a lighter option.

Keyword bake, comfort food, mashed potatoes, meatballs