This Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes are topped with juicy meatballs and baked to perfection, making it a hearty and satisfying dish for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Mashed Potatoes:
  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For Assembly:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup cooked bacon bits
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
   • Boil the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
   • Drain and mash the potatoes. Stir in butter, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy. Set aside.
2. Make the Meatballs:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
   • Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the mashed potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Arrange the cooked meatballs evenly on top of the mashed potatoes.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and top with bacon bits.
4. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
   • Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg

This Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole is a perfect dinner dish that brings together all the best comfort food elements in one delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Comfort Food – Creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy meatballs create a warm, comforting dish that satisfies your taste buds.
• Great for Family Dinners – This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, making it ideal for large families or gatherings.
• Simple Ingredients – Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this dish budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
• Customizable – You can modify the ingredients to suit your taste by adding different cheeses, using turkey or chicken for the meatballs, or even incorporating extra vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the mashed potatoes and meatballs in advance, making assembly and baking a breeze.

The Ultimate Combination of Flavors

What makes this casserole so delicious is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what each component brings to the dish:

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery, and cheesy, the mashed potatoes form a rich and smooth base that holds everything together.
• Meatballs – These juicy, well-seasoned meatballs add a delicious, savory bite to contrast the soft mashed potatoes.
• Cheese – A combination of shredded cheddar in the mashed potatoes and melted mozzarella on top creates a delightful cheesiness in every bite.
• Bacon Bits – Crispy, salty bacon enhances the dish with a smoky depth of flavor.
• Green Onions – These add a fresh and slightly sharp contrast, balancing out the richness of the dish.

Tips for Making the Best Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole

• Use Russet Potatoes – These potatoes have a high starch content, making them ideal for achieving a fluffy and creamy mashed potato consistency.
• Don’t Overmix the Meatballs – Overmixing can make them dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Bake the Meatballs Separately – Baking ensures they cook evenly and develop a delicious crust before being added to the casserole.
• Shred Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Shredding your own cheese results in a creamier texture.
• Add Extra Seasoning if Needed – Taste the mashed potatoes before assembling the casserole to ensure they are well-seasoned.
• Make it Spicy – If you love a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Switch Up the Protein – Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Add Vegetables – Mix in cooked spinach, roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Vegetarian – Substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted chickpeas.
• Try Different Cheeses – Swap cheddar for gouda, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
• Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes – If you have leftover mashed potatoes from another meal, this is a great way to repurpose them.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers, this casserole stores well and can be enjoyed the next day.

• Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating – Warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking.

When to Serve Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served for multiple occasions:

• Weeknight Dinners – A quick and satisfying meal for busy nights.
• Holiday Gatherings – A great addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter feasts.
• Potlucks & Parties – This casserole is easy to transport and always a hit.
• Meal Prep – Prepare ahead of time and bake when needed for an easy meal.

Conclusion

With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and deliciously rich flavor, this casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection. The ability to customize it to fit different tastes makes it even more appealing. Try this recipe today and enjoy a dish that’s packed with warmth, heartiness, and satisfaction in every bite!