Description
Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole is the quintessential comfort food that combines tender meatballs simmered in marinara sauce with creamy, loaded mashed potatoes, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, delivering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will adore. With its easy preparation and make-ahead options, this casserole makes weekday meals uncomplicated yet delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (minced)
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¼ cup onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 4 large basil leaves (minced or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Form into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a frying pan over medium heat until golden but not cooked through.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil; add tomato sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare mashed potatoes by boiling potatoes until tender; mash with butter or cream and mix in parsley, bacon, garlic, eggs, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the mashed potatoes, followed by meatballs and marinara sauce. Top with remaining mashed potatoes and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; uncover for the last 15 minutes to brown cheese.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg