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Juicy Meatballs And Creamy Potatoes

Topic: Quick & Tasty One Pot Meals

This dish features tender Italian-style meatballs layered over rich, creamy mashed potatoes, all baked to perfection. Mozzarella cheese melts over the top, adding a flavorful, golden crust, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley gives a bright finishing touch. Ideal for comfortable, wholesome meals, this casserole combines hearty ingredients and simple techniques that make it an inviting choice for any home cook's table.

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A woman in a white chef's coat smiles at the camera.
By racha Racha
Last modified on Sun, 14 Sep 2025 20:52:26 GMT
A bowl of meatball casserole. Bookmark
A bowl of meatball casserole. | recipesbyracha.com

This hearty meatball casserole combines juicy Italianstyle meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight or a satisfying centerpiece for a family gathering.

I first made this casserole for a family reunion, and it quickly became a requested dish because the flavors meld beautifully and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

  • Italian meatballs: use a recipe that balances beef, pork, garlic, and herbs for that classic flavor.
  • Fresh parsley: adds a pop of bright color and fresh herbal notes on top.
  • Mashed potatoes: creamy and smooth using Yukon Gold potatoes will give you a buttery texture without extra cream.
  • Mozzarella cheese: choose a good quality shredded mozzarella that melts evenly and adds gooey richness.

Instructions

Prepare mashed potatoes and meatballs:
Prepare mashed potatoes as specified in my recipe. Prepare Italian meatballs including sauce as specified in my recipe.
Prep oven:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare casserole dish:
Spray a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. I find that a good heavy braiser like my Le Creuset works perfectly for even cooking.
Assemble casserole:
Spread a thick layer of mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. Then arrange the cooked meatballs on top, spacing them so they heat through evenly.
Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for twenty minutes or until everything is warmed through. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the meatballs and return to the oven for an additional ten minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and just golden on top.
Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh contrast and serve warm.
A bowl of food with a spoon in it.
A bowl of food with a spoon in it. | recipesbyracha.com

I love how the cheese browns on top, giving a crispy texture that's a wonderful contrast to the soft potatoes and tender meatballs. This was one of those recipes that instantly became part of our family favorites because it is both homey and impressive.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When reheating, cover the casserole to retain moisture or warm individual portions in the microwave for even heating. If freezing, portion the casserole into mealsized containers for easy thawing and quick dinners.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have mozzarella, try fontina or Monterey Jack for a similarly melty texture. For a dairy free version, omit the cheese or use a plant based alternative. You can swap the mashed potatoes out for cauliflower puree for a lowercarb option that still keeps the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots also complements the hearty flavors perfectly. For a comforting touch, garlic bread on the side soaks up any extra sauce deliciously.

A close up of a cheesy meat dish.
A close up of a cheesy meat dish. | recipesbyracha.com

This meatball casserole is comforting, easy to make ahead, and great for feeding a crowd. The golden bubbly cheese top and creamy mashed potato base make it a family favorite.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend can provide different flavors and textures while still melting nicely over the dish.

→ Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the layers, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking as directed to save time.

→ What are good alternatives to marinara sauce for the meatballs?

Alfredo or béchamel sauces work well, offering creamy variations that complement the meat and potatoes.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 10 months to maintain freshness.

→ What equipment is recommended for baking this casserole?

A 9×13-inch casserole dish is ideal for even baking and layering the ingredients.

Juicy Meatballs Creamy Potatoes

Tender meatballs layered over creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley.

Prep Time
35 minutes
Cooking Time
80 minutes
Total Time
115 minutes
By racha: Racha

Recipe Category: One Pot Meals

Skill Level: Moderately Tricky

Culinary Style: Italian-American

Makes: 6 Servings

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Components

01 1 batch Italian meatballs with marinara sauce
02 1 batch creamy mashed potatoes

→ Cheese and Garnish

03 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
04 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare the mashed potatoes according to your preferred recipe. Meanwhile, prepare Italian meatballs with marinara sauce as specified in your established method.

Step 02

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while assembling the casserole.

Step 03

Lightly coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 04

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Distribute the cooked meatballs with sauce evenly on top of the potatoes.

Step 05

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes to heat through.

Step 06

Remove the casserole, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 07

Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Additional Tips

  1. This dish can be assembled ahead of time; cover tightly with foil and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for 3-5 days or frozen up to 10 months.
  2. Feel free to substitute marinara with Alfredo or béchamel sauce to vary the flavor profile.

Must-Have Gear

  • 9×13-inch casserole dish
  • Cooking spray

Potential Allergy Info

Check product labels for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten (from meatballs and cheese)

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is provided for guidance and isn’t a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calories: 635
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Protein Content: 34 g