Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Meatball & mashed potato bake is one of those all-in-one comfort meals I always come back to. It layers juicy meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, all baked under a golden topping with rich, savory sauce bubbling through. It’s cozy, filling, and full of flavor—basically everything I want in a hearty dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s simple, satisfying, and a great way to feed a family with minimal fuss. The mashed potatoes are buttery and smooth, the meatballs are tender and well-seasoned, and everything gets baked together until hot and bubbly. It’s like meatballs and gravy met a shepherd’s pie—and I’m here for it. Plus, I can prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when I’m ready to eat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs
1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the mashed potatoes
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tbsp butter
½ cup milk or cream
Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce
1 ½ cups beef broth
1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings
Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Chopped parsley

Directions

1. I start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. I drain them, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. I set them aside.

2. For the meatballs, I mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.

3. I brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil, turning them to get a nice sear on all sides. They don’t need to cook through yet—just get some color.

4. To make the sauce, I melt the butter in the same skillet, whisk in the flour, then slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking. I add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

5. I assemble the bake in a greased casserole dish: first a layer of mashed potatoes, then nestle in the meatballs. I pour the sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese if I’m using it.

6. I bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until everything is heated through and golden on top.

7. I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

• I sometimes swap beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• For extra veggies, I mix in peas or spinach between the mashed potato and meatball layers.

• A cheesy mashed potato topping with cheddar or Parmesan adds a nice crust.

• I’ve even added caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for more depth.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm the dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave portions individually.
This bake also freezes well—I cool it completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, I’ve used store-bought frozen meatballs in a pinch. I brown them first, then bake as usual.

Do I have to make the mashed potatoes from scratch?

Not at all. I’ve used leftover mashed potatoes or even instant mash when I need to save time.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms fit right in and add great texture.

What cheese works best on top?

Cheddar is my go-to, but mozzarella or a mix of cheeses melts beautifully, too.

How do I keep the mashed potatoes creamy after baking?

I make sure the mash has enough butter and milk, and I don’t overbake it so it stays moist and smooth.

Conclusion

Meatball & mashed potato bake is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how it brings together classic comfort food elements in one easy, oven-ready dish. It’s satisfying, family-friendly, and totally customizable. Whether I’m making it from scratch or using up leftovers, this recipe always delivers.