Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole
This casserole combines the richness of creamy mashed potatoes with flavorful homemade (or store-bought) meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite baked potato-style toppings like bacon, green onions, and sour cream. It’s a hearty dish that tastes like comfort food heaven.
Total Time: 45–55 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25–35 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2½ lbs (1.1 kg) potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tbsp olive oil
½ cup milk or cream
½ cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or mix with pork or turkey)
1 egg
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp milk
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
½ tsp salt
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
¼ tsp black pepper
Casserole Topping:
1–1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
3–4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2–3 green onions, sliced
Sour cream or ranch for topping
Instructions:
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (12–15 minutes).
Drain and mash with butter, milk/cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese if using. Set aside.
2. Make the Meatballs:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, onion, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Roll into 1½-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Time-Saver Tip: You can use frozen cooked meatballs — just thaw and heat before assembling.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom.
Top with cooked meatballs, pressing them gently into the potatoes.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon (if using), and green onions.
4. Bake:
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
Top with a dollop of sour cream or ranch if desired. Garnish with extra green onions and serve warm.
Notes & Tips:
Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach between layers for extra veggies.
For extra richness, fold in cream cheese or grated Parmesan into the mashed potatoes.
Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes or meatballs?
A: Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Just heat store-bought items before assembling for best results.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, assemble the casserole, cover well, and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all melt well. A combo gives great flavor.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 490
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 560mg