Loaded Mashed Potatoes and Meatballs Casserole
A comforting dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes, juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef for tasty meatballs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs to hold meatballs together
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for added flavor
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for freshness
- 1 egg to bind ingredients
- 1 tsp garlic powder for aromatic goodness
- 1 tsp dried oregano to enhance flavor
- to taste Salt and pepper to season the mix
Casserole Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for melty topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce for a zesty kick
- 1/2 cup sour cream for creaminess
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions optional, for garnish
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 cups mashed potatoes prepared to creamy perfection
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them until they are browned on all sides. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully place the browned meatballs on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnishing
- Before serving, top your casserole with sour cream and optional chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
For a fun twist, consider adding extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the meatball mixture. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For freshly made mashed potatoes, use leftovers or pre-made ones. Instant mashed potatoes can be a quick substitute.