Introduction

This cozy meatball and mashed potato bake is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for chilly evenings. Combining tender meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and melted cheese, it’s both hearty and satisfying. Easy to prepare, it makes a delicious family dinner with minimal fuss.

The dish is a casserole in a white rectangular baking dish, filled with three visible layers. The bottom layer is smooth, creamy mashed potatoes with a pale yellow-white color, spread evenly across the bottom and edges. On top of this is a layer of brown meatballs, browned and slightly crispy on the outside, placed evenly in rows so each meatball is partially visible. The top layer consists of melted orange cheddar cheese covering the meatballs and some mashed potato, with a few green parsley bits sprinkled on top for color. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs, fully cooked
4 cups mashed potatoes (freshly made or leftovers)
1½ cups brown gravy (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Arrange the fully cooked meatballs evenly over the layer of mashed potatoes.
Step 4: Pour the brown gravy over the meatballs and mashed potatoes, making sure to cover everything evenly for maximum moisture and taste.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a savory, melted cheese crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bake is heated through.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, try mixing a little sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes before layering.
Use your favorite cheese blend for a different flavor—Monterey Jack or gouda work well.
Add steamed vegetables like peas or carrots between layers for added nutrition and color.
If using frozen meatballs, make sure they are fully thawed and heated through before assembling the bake.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish filled with a base layer of creamy, pale mashed potatoes with a smooth yet slightly lumpy texture, topped with a rich brown gravy spread evenly across the surface. On top of the gravy, there are about twelve browned meatballs arranged in neat rows, each with a slightly crispy outer texture, covered in melts of shredded yellow cheddar and white cheese that blend together. Small green herb sprinkles lightly garnish the cheese, adding hints of color. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a blurred background showing parts of a stovetop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it comes straight from cold.

What can I use instead of brown gravy?

If you prefer, mushroom gravy, onion gravy, or even a simple beef broth thickened with a bit of flour can be tasty alternatives that complement the meatballs and potatoes.