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Heavenly Meatball Mashed Potato Bake

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Loads of mashed potatoes get piled up with plump meatballs and smothered in brown gravy, then blanketed with a gooey cheese topping. Everything cooks up bubbly and toasty. Use leftovers or pre-made meatballs, or throw together a quick homemade batch. It’s easy to swap cheeses, add more veggies, or toss on some fresh herbs if you want to mix things up. You can prep it days in advance or just toss together right before baking. Each forkful is creamy, savory, and super satisfying.

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Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 16:15:10 GMT
Meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy in a bowl. Save Pin
Meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy in a bowl. | foodthingle.com

Nothing beats scooping up a hot serving of Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake when you just need something comforting. Creamy potatoes, tender meatballs, gooey cheese, and loads of gravy—this is the kind of dinner that gets everyone reaching for seconds. Whether I throw it together as a make-ahead meal or use up what’s left in the fridge, it’s always gone in a flash.

Every time we’ve had a long cold day, my crew begs for this. It’s cozy, makes awesome leftovers, and I count on next-day smiles.

Tasty Ingredients

  • Optional green onions or parsley: add just before serving for some color and a fresh bite—grab crisp greens when you can
  • Salt and pepper: use fresh cracked pepper and a pinch of salt so all the flavors pop
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella: freshly grated melts smoother and covers everything with cheesy goodness
  • Brown gravy: grab your favorite jar or go homemade if you’re feeling fancy, rich is key for depth
  • Mashed potatoes: whatever you have, either leftover or freshly whipped, just keep them smooth and fluffy
  • Meatballs: pre-cooked, store-bought or from scratch—they all work! Plumper ones hold up best

Simple Step-by-Step

Rest and Finish:
When it’s out of the oven, hang tight for a few minutes! A little cool makes it easier to serve. Scatter some chopped parsley or green onions over the top at the end for extra freshness.
Bake Until Bubbling:
Slide the dish, uncovered, into a hot oven set to 375. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes so the top turns golden and the edges start to bubble.
Toss on Cheese:
Shower the top with shredded cheese so it covers every inch—expect a gooey finish on every forkful.
Spread Potatoes:
Layer mashed potatoes all over, smoothing them out with a spatula to seal in everything underneath. It creates a pillowy lid.
Add Gravy:
Pour rich brown gravy all over the meatballs and give it a gentle roll so each one gets saucy.
Lay Out Meatballs:
Place your cooked meatballs in a greased baking pan, giving them enough space so they bake up nice and juicy.
A plate of meatballs and potatoes. Save Pin
A plate of meatballs and potatoes. | foodthingle.com

I always sneak in a generous handful of extra cheese—it’s just better that way. My kids even compete to see who ends up with the cheesiest bite, and it always starts a playful dinner table rivalry.

Leftover Tips

Just pack up leftovers in a food-safe container and stash in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it back up in your oven and throw on more cheese for best results. You can also wrap single servings tight and freeze for quick individual lunches.

Swaps and Options

Use any meatballs you like—chicken, turkey, or meat-free all work. Try swapping brown gravy for one made from onion or mushrooms. Use whatever shredded cheese you’ve got or toss in a blend.

A plate of food with meatballs and gravy. Save Pin
A plate of food with meatballs and gravy. | foodthingle.com

Ways to Serve

This is super filling, but it’s awesome next to a crisp salad or steamed green beans. Serve with soft, warm rolls if you want to go all-out. Fans of heat can shake on a little hot sauce or grind some black pepper on top too.

Background

Meatball and potato bakes are staples in American kitchens, letting you turn extras into crowd-pleasers. You’ll find tasty twists everywhere like Swedish versions with creamy mushroom sauces—comfort food doesn’t care about borders!

Common Recipe Questions

→ Is it okay to use frozen meatballs?

Totally! Homemade or frozen both work fine. Just make sure they're fully cooked and hot before you put them in the dish for the best results.

→ Can I just use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yep! Warm up those leftovers a bit first—it’ll make spreading them much simpler.

→ Which cheese tastes best here?

Cheddar or mozzarella are super popular. You can also try things like provolone, pepper jack, or even your favorite shredded mix for a little zing.

→ I want more veggies in there, what should I do?

Throw in some sautéed mushrooms, a handful of peas, or some spinach between the layers. Easy boost for flavor and nutrition.

→ Can I assemble everything ahead of time?

Of course! Get it all together, cover and pop it in the fridge. When it’s time to bake, just give it 5–10 extra minutes in the oven to heat through.

Mashed Potato Meatball Bake

Juicy meatballs, buttery mashed potatoes, and loads of melted cheese—all in one comforting, easy-to-share pan.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
30 Minutes
Overall Time
45 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: American

Output: 4 Number of Servings (Makes one big dish, cuts into 4 good helpings)

Special Diets: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Components

01 115 g mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded
02 355 ml brown gravy, use a store-bought one or make it yourself
03 950 ml mashed potatoes, leftovers work too or make a new batch
04 450 g meatballs, use frozen or ones you made

→ Seasonings and Garnishes

05 Some fresh parsley or green onions if you like, for the top
06 Black pepper, add as much as you want
07 A pinch of salt, whatever tastes good to you

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Take it out of the oven, let it chill for a few minutes, then toss on green onions or parsley if you want. Dig in!

Step 02

Slide it into the oven and leave it uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes till the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 03

Load up a generous layer of shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.

Step 04

Spread mashed potatoes over everything in the baking dish so the surface's all covered up nice and even.

Step 05

Coat the meatballs by pouring the brown gravy on, then give it a gentle mix so every piece is sauced up.

Step 06

Grease a baking dish lightly. Drop in your cooked meatballs and space them out across the bottom.

Step 07

Set your oven to heat up to 190°C. Just make sure your rack is in the middle spot.

Additional Tips

  1. Microwave leftover mashed potatoes a bit to make them simpler to spread.
  2. You can stick it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end for super crispy cheese.
  3. If your meatballs are frozen, warm them through before you start building your dish.
  4. Get everything ready in the baking dish up to a day early. Stick it in the fridge, but tack on 5–10 extra minutes to the bake if you're starting cold.
  5. Use a good-sized deep baking dish, especially if you're going heavy on gravy or fun toppings, so nothing spills over.

Essential Tools

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Measuring cups
  • Mixing spoon

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy and milk
  • Wheat and gluten may be in the meatballs or gravy

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Fat Content: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein: 27 g