Delicious Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole Recipe

Quick Overview

If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and heartiness, then this Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole is the perfect choice. This delightful casserole layers creamy mashed potatoes with savory meatballs, topped with gooey cheese that melts beautifully in the oven. It’s an all-in-one meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe will impress your guests and keep them coming back for seconds.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ground Beef

You will need one pound of ground beef for the meatballs. This will provide a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. Ground beef is versatile and adds great texture to your dish.

Breadcrumbs

Use half a cup of breadcrumbs to help bind your meatballs together. Breadcrumbs absorb moisture during cooking, giving meatballs a juicy consistency while ensuring they hold their shape in the casserole.

Eggs

Add one large egg to the mixture to act as a binding agent. The egg helps maintain the structure of the meatballs during baking, making them tender yet firm enough to slice when served.

Seasonings

Mix one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into your meatball mixture. These seasonings elevate the flavor profile of the dish without overpowering it.

Potatoes

For this recipe, you will need three pounds of russet potatoes. These potatoes create a creamy base that complements the richness of the meatballs perfectly. Peel and cube them before boiling.

Butter

Incorporate half a cup of unsalted butter into your mashed potatoes for added creaminess. The butter enhances the overall flavor and texture of the potatoes, making them irresistibly delicious.

Milk

Use one cup of whole milk to achieve a smooth consistency in your mashed potatoes. Whole milk adds richness without being too heavy or greasy.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Top your casserole with two cups of shredded cheddar cheese for that gooey finish. Cheddar cheese provides both flavor and texture that makes every bite satisfying.

Green Onions

Garnish with chopped green onions for brightness and freshness once your casserole is baked. They add color as well as a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Step By Step Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine one pound of ground beef with half a cup of breadcrumbs, one large egg, one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until just combined but avoid over-mixing as it can result in tough meatballs.

Form Meatballs

Using your hands or a scoop, form small meatballs about one inch in diameter from the mixture. Place them on a lined baking sheet as you go along. This step ensures even cooking later on when they are baked in the casserole.

Bake Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place the baking sheet with meatballs in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until they’re browned on the outside and cooked through. Baking them first locks in flavors before adding them to your casserole.

Boil Potatoes

While the meatballs are baking, peel and cube three pounds of russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot filled with cold water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until fork-tender; this usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Mash Potatoes

Once cooked, drain the water from the pot containing potatoes and return them back to it. Add half a cup of unsalted butter and one cup of whole milk to get creamy mashed potatoes. Mash everything together until smooth without any lumps remaining.

Layer Ingredients

In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of your mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom as your first layer. Then arrange all baked meatballs on top followed by another layer of mashed potatoes spread evenly over them.

Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle two cups of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top layer of mashed potatoes in your baking dish. Make sure every corner is covered well so that every bite is cheesy goodness!

Bake Casserole

Place your assembled casserole into an oven preheated at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until everything is heated through completely while golden brown on top from melted cheese.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve this loaded mashed potato and meatball casserole warm straight from the oven for best results. Pair it with steamed vegetables or salad for added nutrition while balancing out its richness; this makes it an excellent complete meal option.

Leftover Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator after cooling down completely within two hours post-cooking time; they should remain good for up to three days when stored properly.

Reheating Tips

Reheat portions individually using either an oven set at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through again or microwave on medium power until hot throughout; this ensures no loss in flavor or texture during reheating sessions!

Tips and tricks

To achieve perfect Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs, high-quality meatballs, and homemade mashed potatoes bring out better flavors than their pre-packaged counterparts. If you’re short on time, consider making homemade mashed potatoes in advance and refrigerating them.

For an extra layer of flavor, incorporate cheese into both the mashed potatoes and as a topping before baking. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a deliciously gooey texture that pairs wonderfully with meatballs.

Adjusting cooking time is crucial based on your oven’s performance. Every oven heats differently; check for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests. The casserole should be hot throughout, with a bubbly cheese top for perfect finishing.

Experiment with different types of meatballs! Whether you prefer beef, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options, swapping these can change the dish’s overall profile while keeping it deliciously comforting.

Lastly, serving suggestions matter. Pair your Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole with a light salad or steamed vegetables for balance. The freshness from greens complements the richness of this hearty dish perfectly.

Summary

In summary, creating a delicious Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole requires attention to detail—avoiding common mistakes like using cold ingredients or overcrowding is vital for success. Incorporating tips such as using fresh ingredients enhances flavor significantly while thoughtful serving suggestions elevate your meal experience further! Enjoy this comforting classic by preparing ahead when needed so everyone can enjoy its delightful taste any day of the week.

 

Print