Introduction

This Cozy Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. Layers of tender meatballs, rich gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese come together in a deliciously easy casserole.

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole, starting with a smooth and creamy layer of mashed potatoes around the edges, topped with evenly spaced browned meatballs covered by a golden melted cheese layer that has some browned spots. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over the top, adding a fresh color contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound frozen or homemade meatballs
4 cups mashed potatoes
2 cups brown gravy
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Evenly spread the cooked or frozen meatballs in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Pour warm brown gravy generously over the arranged meatballs.
Step 4: Gently spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the meatballs and gravy.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, season the mashed potatoes with garlic powder or fresh herbs before spreading.
Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a richer taste and gooey texture.
Try adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the meatballs layer for more depth.
Substitute brown gravy with mushroom or onion gravy for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway for even heating.

How to Serve

A white baking dish filled with a layered dish starting with a bottom layer of creamy, smooth mashed potatoes in a pale yellow color. Above this is a layer of several round, browned meatballs that are placed evenly across the top. The meatballs are covered with a melted golden-brown cheese layer that has slightly bubbly, crispy edges and is sprinkled with small green herb pieces on top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred dark background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade meatballs work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure they are fully cooked before layering in the casserole.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the bake without the cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and bake just before serving.

Cozy Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake for Ultimate Comfort Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews

This Cozy Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is the perfect comfort food, combining savory meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, savory brown gravy, and melted cheese for a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 pound frozen or homemade meatballs

Mashed Potatoes

4 cups mashed potatoes

Gravy

2 cups brown gravy

Cheese & Seasoning

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Arrange Meatballs: Evenly spread the cooked or frozen meatballs in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are distributed in a single layer.
Add Brown Gravy: Pour warm brown gravy generously over the arranged meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated for flavor and moisture.
Spread Mashed Potatoes: Gently spread your creamy mashed potatoes over the meatballs and gravy layer, smoothing it out evenly across the dish.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes to create a golden, bubbly topping.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly, and the bake is heated through.

Notes

You can use either frozen or homemade meatballs; if using frozen, no need to thaw before assembling.
For added flavor, consider seasoning your mashed potatoes with a bit of garlic or herbs before spreading.
Brown gravy can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Keywords: meatball bake, mashed potato bake, comfort food, baked meatballs, cozy dinner, cheesy mashed potatoes