After trying this recipe, you’ll only want to eat meatballs like this! This Ultimate Meatball and Mashed Potato Casserole combines tender, flavorful meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 5 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
For the Meatballs:
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic flakes
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 1 whole egg
- 1/2 onion, chopped into small cubes
- Chopped parsley to taste
- Wheat flour for coating
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 200 ml tomato sauce
- 200 g grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
- Cut the Potatoes: Start by cutting five large potatoes into strips, then into smaller pieces. Transfer them to a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them.
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Cover the saucepan and let the potatoes cook for 15 minutes or until they are tender.
Preparing the Meatballs
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 500 g of ground beef, 1 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried garlic flakes, 100 g of breadcrumbs, 1 whole egg, 1/2 onion chopped into small cubes, and chopped parsley to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Take one tablespoon of the meat mixture and shape it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the meat is used up.
- Coat the Meatballs: Coat each meatball in wheat flour, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Fry the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and fry them until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Once the meatballs are fried, add 200 ml of tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir until the meatballs are fully coated with the sauce. Set aside.
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
- Drain and Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain all the water and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper to the potatoes. Mash them until they form a smooth mixture.
Assembling the Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a medium baking dish and spread them until flat.
- Add Meatballs: Place the meatballs on top of the mashed potatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 200 g of grated mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and mashed potatoes.
Baking
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Serving
- Serve Hot: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this ultimate comfort food.
Tips and Variations
- Extra Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy variation.
- Herb Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Nutritional Information
This Ultimate Meatball and Mashed Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Adjust portion sizes to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
This Ultimate Meatball and Mashed Potato Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese. Perfect for any meal, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Share this recipe with friends and family to spread the joy of this comforting and flavorful dish. Enjoy your Ultimate Meatball and Mashed Potato Casserole, and see you in the next recipe!
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this Ultimate Meatball and Mashed Potato Casserole, a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
