Loaded Mashed Potatoes and Meatballs Casserole
A delightful, comforting dish combining creamy mashed potatoes with savory meatballs in marinara sauce and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef for juicy meatballs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for that perfect binding
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese adds a rich, cheesy flavor
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant note
- 1 unit egg to hold everything together
- 1 tsp garlic powder for depth of flavor
- 1 tsp dried oregano adds an aromatic touch
- to taste Salt and pepper for seasoning
For the assembly
- 4 cups mashed potatoes prepared, creamy, and fluffy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to melt gloriously on top
- 1 cup marinara sauce for that luscious, tomatoey base
- 1/2 cup sour cream for creaminess
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands to roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned on all sides. Remove them from heat and set aside.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Lay the browned meatballs on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the marinara-covered meatballs.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with sour cream and optional chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
To elevate your dish, consider adding spices like crushed red pepper flakes. If you want to add more veggies, finely chopped spinach or bell peppers can be mixed into the meatball mixture. For a crispy topping, try broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.