Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole

This Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole combines two family-friendly favorites into one irresistible dinner! Tender meatballs in marinara are topped with mozzarella, and baked over creamy, loaded mashed potatoes.

Savory Meatballs and Marinara with Loaded Mashed Potatoes

This easy potato and meatball casserole dish is perfect for busy families! It’s solid, wholesome comfort food that’s easy to make, even on a weeknight. Loaded mashed potatoes are topped with juicy homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese. Baked until bubbly, this casserole is a terrific combination of two favorite dishes.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t have to be cooked completely (or at all) from scratch. You can choose which elements of this recipe you want to make from scratch, or use store-bought. It’s up to you! I use store-bought, refrigerated mashed potatoes (that we doctor up with all the fixings) to save time, but you could also use frozen meatballs and marinara sauce from a jar. Easy!

What You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need the ingredients for the meatballs, potatoes, and sauce. Each item is simple, and uses mainly pantry staples and fridge basics. Here’s the complete list:

For the Meatballs

• Ground Beef and Ground Pork: A combination of lean ground beef and ground pork makes a savory, flavorful meatball.
• Bread Crumbs: Use fine, fresh breadcrumbs. This recipe is not ideal for using Panko.
• Onion: Dice up the onion, or finely chop it for a more subtle flavor.
• Eggs: Large, whole eggs bind he mixture together. 
• Salt and Pepper
• Garlic: Mince the garlic, or put it through a garlic press.
• Parsley: You can use fresh minced parsley, or parsley flakes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Fresh or from a jar is fine.

For the Loaded Mashed Potatoes

• Mashed Potatoes: I use store-bought, or you can make your own. I highly recommend my Garlic Mashed Potatoes for this recipe if you have the time to make them from scratch!
• Parsley: Again, you can do fresh or dried – whichever is best for you.
• Bacon: Cooked, chopped bacon gives these potatoes a ton of flavor.
• Garlic: Mince or press the garlic, or just use garlic powder.
• Eggs: Eggs are optional, but they do add extra richness.
• Cheddar: A bit of shredded cheddar gives these that classic “loaded” taste.
• Salt and Pepper

For the Sauce

• Olive Oil: For sauteing.
• Onion: Diced or finely chopped.
• Garlic: Minced.
• Tomato Sauce: Plain tomato sauce in a can or a box is the base for this flavorful sauce. You can also use strained tomatoes.
• Basil: I love fresh basil in this sauce, but dried also works.
• Salt, Pepper, and Sugar: To balance out the sauce.
• Thyme and Oregano: You could also use Italian Seasoning blend.

For the Topping

• Mozzarella: Mozzarella slices are better than shreds, because they will stay put on top of the meatballs. However, you can use shredded mozzarella if you prefer.

How to Make It

Loaded mashed potato and meatball casserole has three basic components: the mashed potatoes, the meatballs, and the sauce. Making each one is very easy! Here’s how to do it.

Make the Meatballs

1. Get Ready. First things first – preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a cookie sheet or cake pan with nonstick cooking spray, or line with parchment paper, so the meatballs won’t stick.
2. Mix and Shape the Meatballs. Combine all of the meatball ingredients in one large mixing bow. Gently mix until well-combined, but don’t over-mix, and don’t pack the mixture together. Then use a large ice cream scoop to divide the meat into 12 even portions, and roll the portions gently into meatballs.
3. Bake. Place the meatballs on the cookie sheet, and bake for about half an hour, until the meatballs are cooked through. Then take them out of the oven and set them aside.

Make the Loaded Mashed Potatoes

1. Mix the Potato Ingredients. While the meatballs are baking, spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray. Then combine all of the loaded mashed potato ingredients in a mixing bowl, and stir well to combine. 
2. Shape the Potato Scoops. Use a large ice cream scoop to measure the potatoes into large balls, and line them up in your baking dish in four rows of three. 
3. Top the Potato Scoops with the Meatballs. Make dent in the center of each scoop, for a meatball to sit in. I like to use a large cookie scoop to form the indents. Place one baked meatball on top of each potato scoop.

Make the Marinara Sauce

1. Cook the Aromatics. Set a large saucepan over medium heat, and add a swirl of olive oil. Cook the onions in the hot oil for about five minutes, until they are softened, and then add the garlic. Cook the garlic for an additional 60 seconds to release the fragrance. 
2. Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings. Next, pour in the tomato sauce, and stir in the basil. Cook for ten minutes, before adding the salt, sugar, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
3. Top the Meatballs and Bake. Top each meatball with sauce, and then with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes.
4. Broil. Finally, turn on the broiler to 500°F. Move the casserole to the top rack, and broil until the cheese is lightly browned. This should only take a few minutes, so keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Note that when using the broiler, it’s safer to use metal pans, rather than glass or ceramic, which can break under the high heat.
5. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips and Tricks

These are my favorite helpful hints for making this potato and meatball casserole, easily and successfully. Read on, and enjoy! This savory dish is sure to be a favorite.

• Protein Options: I like to use beef and pork for my meatballs, but you can use any combination of beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Also, if you don’t want to use two types of meat, you can instead use my recipe to make traditional Baked Italian Meatballs instead.
• Sauce Substitutes: Substitute any gravy or cream sauce that you like for the marinara. You can even use my Best Alfredo Sauce on top!
• Cheese Choices: You can also use different cheeses, such as muenster, provolone, or even mild cheddar, depending on your family’s preferences!

What to Serve with Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole

To serve this crowd-pleasing dish, pair it with a simple side dish or two. These recipes are easy to make, and sure to please.

• Bread: This recipe for Goat Cheese Garlic Bread goes Netflix beautifully with meatballs and marinara. 
• Salad: This fresh and flavorful Greek Salad is a classic way to add raw veggies to any meal.
• Carrots: Add a touch of earthy sweetness, with traditional Candied Carrots. They’re a cinch to make, and so satisfying.
• Green Beans: Some sautéed Green Beans with Bacon would also pair great with this dish to add an extra veggie to the mix!

Storing and Reheating the Leftovers

To store leftovers, place in an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes, this freezes well. Just pack the cooled casserole in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, before baking.

More Easy Dinner Ideas

Looking for more quick and easy dinner recipes? Here are a few reader favorites:

• Crockpot Chicken and Rice
• Chunky Beef Chili Recipe
• Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce
• Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
• Air Fryer Salmon
• The BEST Alfredo Sauce
• Homemade Hamburger Helper
• The Best Oven Baked Chicken
• Beef Tips and Gravy

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