Description
This Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender pan-fried meatballs nestled between creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. A drizzle of marinara sauce on top adds a delicious tangy finish, making it an ideal family-friendly meal that combines the classic flavors of meatballs and cheesy potatoes in one satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Casserole
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead of time, creamy and seasoned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1-inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact to hold together during cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine prepared mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Assemble Casserole – Base Layer: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Add Meatballs: Arrange the cooked meatballs evenly over the layer of mashed potatoes.
- Top Meatballs: Spread the remaining mashed potato mixture over the meatballs, covering them completely for a smooth top.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Drizzle marinara sauce over the top layer and sprinkle additional shredded cheese if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if using, serve hot, and enjoy your comforting casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are creamy and well-seasoned for the best flavor.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Adding extra cheese on top gives a wonderfully golden and cheesy crust.
- If you prefer, you can make your own marinara sauce or use your favorite store-bought variety.
