Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Cozy Family Dinners

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to bring comfort and flavor to the table. This Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole combines two classic family favorites—creamy mashed potatoes and savory meatballs—into one delicious, hearty meal. Baked with rich marinara sauce and topped with a blanket of gooey melted mozzarella, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.

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The meatballs are tender and juicy, nestled on top of mounds of loaded mashed potatoes that have been enhanced with cheddar cheese, garlic, and crispy bacon. Everything is brought together by a tangy, homemade marinara sauce, which adds just the right amount of depth and flavor to the dish. Topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare, making it an instant family favorite.

The Story Behind Mashed Potato and Meatball Casseroles

Casseroles have long been a staple in American kitchens, offering an easy way to feed a crowd using simple, comforting ingredients. Potatoes, in particular, have been a popular ingredient for casseroles due to their versatility and heartiness. By combining mashed potatoes with meatballs, this recipe offers a twist on the traditional casserole, bringing together two family favorites in one dish. The homemade meatballs and marinara sauce bring a savory, comforting richness to the casserole, while the mashed potatoes add a creamy, smooth texture. The result is a meal that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg

Cooking Tips

Creamy Potatoes: For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to the mashed potatoes.

Crispy Bacon: For an added crunch, reserve some of the crispy bacon bits and sprinkle them on top of the casserole just before serving.

Meatball Options: You can make the meatballs with a combination of beef, pork, or even turkey, depending on your preference.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes.

Variations

Use store-bought shortcuts: If you're short on time, feel free to use frozen meatballs and store-bought mashed potatoes to cut down on prep time.

Cheese substitutions: Swap out the mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or even Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Sauce swaps: If you're not in the mood for marinara, try using Alfredo sauce or even a creamy mushroom sauce for a richer variation.

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Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Loaded Mashed Potatoes:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• ¼ cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 4 large basil leaves, minced (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon oregano

For the Topping:

• 12 slices mozzarella cheese

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet or cake pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, bread crumbs, onion, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well-combined but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender. Roll the mixture into 12 even meatballs and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake the meatballs for 28-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the Loaded Mashed Potatoes: While the meatballs are baking, spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, minced parsley, bacon, garlic, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients. Using a large ice cream scoop or spoon, form 12 evenly sized mounds of mashed potatoes and place them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the basil, salt, sugar, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors blend.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Create a small indent in each mashed potato mound using the back of a spoon or scoop. Place a baked meatball on top of each mound of mashed potatoes. Spoon marinara sauce over each meatball and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Bake the casserole in the oven for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Broil for a Crispy Top: If desired, turn on the broiler to 500°F and move the casserole to the top rack. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is lightly browned and golden.

This Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, with the comforting texture of mashed potatoes and the heartiness of homemade meatballs. Serve this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal!