Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake

A comforting meatball and mashed potato bake layers tender homemade meatballs, creamy potatoes, savory gravy, and bubbling sharp cheddar cheese all in one cozy dish. It is classic comfort food reimagined for busy nights or for feeding a crowd without sacrificing tradition or delicious flavor.

There is nothing like the first bite of crisp-topped cheese over fluffy potatoes with juicy meatballs beneath. The first time I made this bake on a cold night, everyone raced to the table and it vanished even before seconds were offered.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground beef: this is the foundation for juicy and rich meatballs choose fresh ground beef with good marbling for more flavor
• Breadcrumbs: these keep your meatballs tender day old bread or good quality panko breadcrumbs work best
• Milk: adds moisture to prevent tough meatballs whole or two percent both work
• Large egg: binds everything together for cohesive meatballs fresh eggs give the best texture
• Onion powder: for a gentle aromatic kick opt for a finely ground powder
• Garlic powder: creates deep savory background use a fresh jar for fullest flavor
• Salt: heightens all flavors be sure to use kosher or fine sea salt
• Black pepper: adds mild heat and balances the richness freshly ground gives better zing
• Mashed potatoes: the heart of comfort here make your own for best flavor or choose a high quality store bought kind
• Shredded cheddar cheese: brings sharpness and that bubbling golden crust grate your own for better melt
• Beef gravy: ties the whole dish together with umami richness store bought saves time but homemade adds a personal touch
• Chopped parsley (optional): for a burst of color and freshness flat leaf gives brighter flavor

How to Make It

Prepare the Oven:

Heat oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and position a rack in the middle so the cheese browns evenly

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

In a large bowl add ground beef breadcrumbs milk egg onion powder garlic powder salt and pepper using your hands or a sturdy spoon blend everything gently until fully combined but do not overmix or your meatballs get tough

Shape the Meatballs:

Take about a tablespoon of mixture and lightly roll it between your palms to a ball about one to one and a half inches in diameter the lighter your touch the more tender the result

Arrange in the Pan:

Set each meatball into the greased nine by thirteen inch baking dish nestling them close but not squishing them together

First Bake:

Place the pan in the oven and bake for twenty minutes until the meatballs are browned on the outside and almost cooked through

Layer Mashed Potatoes:

Carefully remove the hot pan and with an offset spatula or spoon dollop and then spread mashed potatoes over the meatballs cover as evenly as possible all the way to the edges for a beautiful potato blanket

Add Gravy and Cheese:

Drizzle beef gravy over the mashed potatoes try to cover as much of the top as possible then sprinkle the shredded cheddar on last so it melts and bubbles

Final Bake:

Slide the pan back in the oven and bake fifteen to twenty minutes more until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden at the edges the potatoes should be warmed through

Cheddar cheese is my favorite part because it forms a gooey golden layer that my youngest always tries to steal before serving. The first time my grandmother made a version of this she added extra cheese and made us all laugh about the endless cheese pulls at the dinner table.

Flavor Boosters

Cool leftovers fully before covering and refrigerating keeps well up to three days. For best reheating use the oven at three hundred fifty degrees covered with foil to keep the cheese moist. Freeze portions for up to two months in airtight containers thaw before reheating for even warming.

Serving Suggestions

Add a side of roasted green beans or a bright salad for something crisp and fresh next to the creamy bake. Try with extra gravy on the side for those who like things extra saucy. For a comforting brunch serve smaller portions with fried eggs on top.

Creative Twists

Ground turkey can be swapped for beef for a lighter meatball option you may need to reduce baking time a little as turkey cooks faster. Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a milder cheese flavor or a blend for extra gooeyness. Use vegan mashed potatoes and a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

Making this bake is a tradition that brings everyone together and it always smells like home while bubbling in the oven.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes or store-bought mashed potatoes work well for convenience without sacrificing texture.

→ What kind of ground beef is best?

Use ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20) for juicy, flavorful meatballs that won't dry out during baking.

→ Is it possible to make ahead?

Assemble in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ Can other cheeses be substituted for cheddar?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend are excellent alternatives that melt well and add flavor.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Mix peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms in with the mashed potatoes for added nutrition and flavor variety.