Potatoes and Meatballs
Potatoes and meatballs is a delicious dish that you can enjoy as the perfect comfort food meal. There are several ways you can make this dish, but we are excited to share one of our favorite ways with you.
The great thing about meatballs and mashed potatoes is that you can make the entire recipe from scratch or use frozen meatballs. Either way, you get to enjoy a wonderful meal!
Meatballs and Potatoes
When you think of potatoes and meatballs there are so many different dishes that you can make featuring these two tasty ingredients. We are very excited to share our favorite recipe made with mashed potatoes and meatballs. This is an easy and delicious recipe, that will allow you to enjoy amazing comfort food!
Let’s begin by looking at what ingredients you will need to make this delicious recipe below.
Creamy Meatballs and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes. We recommend that you use basic baking potatoes that have been washed, peeled, and boiled until they are soft. Typically, potatoes like russets make great mashed potatoes. However, if you want to skip peeling the potatoes, you can also use golden or red potatoes that are washed, and boiled until they are soft.
Cream cheese. Cream cheese is an optional ingredient; however, we do recommend using it to make your mashed potatoes creamy and taste amazing.
Butter. Adding some butter to the mashed potatoes will also help to make your potatoes extra creamy, and loaded with flavor.
Milk. Adding a little bit of milk or cream to the mashed potatoes will help to make them moist, and easier to mash. You can use your favorite type of milk for this recipe.
Garlic Salt. We recommend using garlic salt to taste and season your mashed potatoes.
Meatballs
Ground meat. You can use your favorite type of ground meat to make meatballs, or you can simply use frozen meatballs if you prefer. If you choose to make your own meatballs, you may consider using ground beef, ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground chicken if you prefer.
Eggs. Using an egg in your homemade meatballs is very important as it will help to moisten the meatballs and will also help to hold them together.
Breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs help to stiffen your homemade meatballs. You can use plain breadcrumbs, or breadcrumbs that come preseasoned if you prefer.
Seasonings. To season your meatballs we recommend that you simply include a bit of salt, pepper, garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Gravy
Broth. To make the gravy base you want to use either beef broth or chicken broth, or a mixture of the two.
Bouillon cube. We recommend that you add a bouillon cube to the gravy to help add extra flavoring. Depending on what type of broth you use, beef or chicken, you will want to select the matching flavor of bouillon cube.
Worcestershire sauce. A hint of Worcestershire sauce will add a delicious overall flavor to your gravy. This ingredient is not required, but we do strongly recommend it for the best-flavored gravy.
Corn Starch and Water. To thicken the gravy, you will want to use a bit of corn starch and water mixed together, then slowly pour it into your prepared gravy.
Seasonings. To season your gravy, we recommend that you add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some onion powder and garlic powder to season it if you wish.
Then some less common ingredients that we enjoy adding are a little bit of brown sugar and a dollop of ketchup and BBQ sauce for a fun flavor.
Topping
Shredded cheese. Using shredded cheese on top of your prepared dish is delicious, but not required. If you want to use it, we recommend adding a bit of mozzarella or farmer’s cheese on top, as it will melt really well.
Parsley. A hint of parsley on top will add a little bit of color to your dish. You can use fresh or dried parsley.
How to Make Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes
Make the Meatballs
First, begin by making the meatballs, or you can use frozen meatballs if you want a shortcut. Using thawed ground meat, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until combined.
Roll the meat into small balls and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking. You can easily cook these meatballs on the stovetop or in the oven.
To cook on the stovetop, place a large skillet over medium meat. Drizzle a coating of oil in the bottom of the skillet, then add the chilled meatballs.
Fry the meatballs over medium heat until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F.
To cook the meatballs in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F, then place the meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake in the oven for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are lightly browned and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Make the Loaded Mashed Potatoes
While your meatballs are cooking you can prepare the potatoes. To make our delicious mashed potatoes, begin by washing the potatoes, then remove the peeling if you are using baking potatoes. Cut the potatoes into quarters.
Place into a saucepan and cover in water. Place over high heat until the water begins to boil.
Once boiling, decrease the burner temperature so that the water maintains a steady simmer. Boil for 10-15 minutes, or until you can easily insert a fork into the center of each potato.
Remove from the burner and drain the water.
Add milk, butter, and cream cheese. Use a potato masher or mixer and mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
How to Make Gravy
Finally, you can make gravy. In a medium-sized saucepan, over medium-high heat, add your broth and bouillon cube. Stir until the cube is dissolved.
Add Worcestershire sauce, and continue heating the liquid.
Once you see it beginning to simmer, in a small bowl or cup, add cornstarch and water. Whisk until no lumps remain.
Gently pour the water and cornstarch mixture into your warm broth. Pour it slowly in a continual stream, while you whisk the broth mixture.
Please note that it is very important you pour this slowly and mix the entire time, to prevent clumps from forming.
Continue stirring over medium heat, while the mixture comes to a simmer. Keep it at a light simmer, while you stir continually. You will begin to see the gravy thicken slightly.
Once thick, remove the gravy from the burner, and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, ketchup, and BBQ sauce. Stir the mixture to combine.
Assemble
Now it is time to assemble your dish. In a casserole dish, lightly coat it in cooking spray or a drizzle of oil.
Add a thick layer of mashed potatoes.
Then take your meatballs and gently press them into the potatoes so that they are covered approximately 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the way up.
Next, take your prepared gravy, and pour it over the meatballs and gravy.
Finally, top with shredded cheese and parsley.
Place the casserole dish into the oven on low broil and carefully brown the cheese. The amount of time it takes may vary depending on your oven.
For my oven, it takes less than 5 minutes. Be sure to keep a close eye on it, while it broils because it can go from not quite done, to burned in a matter of seconds.
If you would rather bake it at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, rather than using the broil function, feel free.
Once your cheese is lightly browned, remove the casserole dish from the oven, serve, and enjoy!
Tips and Notes
Meatball Short Cut. Use pre-made frozen meatballs fresh from the freezer rather than making your own from scratch.
Chill Meatballs. If you do choose to make homemade meatballs, be sure to chill or freeze them before you cook the meatballs. This will help prevent them from falling apart.
Gravy Short cut. Feel free to use your favorite kind of packaged gravy! This will greatly reduce the amount of preparation and time it takes to make this dish.
Use A Stand Mixer. If you have a stand mixer, feel free to toss your boiled potatoes, milk, butter, and cream cheese into the mixer then use the beater to mash them. This is quick and easy and does not require you to use your muscles.
Side Dishes to Try
Some easy side dishes you could enjoy with your potatoes and meatballs include the following:
Variations:
There are a lot of different variations of this recipe you can make featuring potatoes and meatballs. Below are a few variations you may enjoy.
One Pan Meatballs and Potatoes
For a quick and easy dinner recipe, you can make meatballs and potatoes on the stovetop all in one pan.
To make this you can use homemade meatballs or frozen meatballs. Simply add them to a lightly oiled skillet, along with washed and quartered potatoes, and place them over medium heat.
Add water and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer until the potatoes are soft. Add gravy or a can of condensed soup. Allow to simmer for a few more minutes, before you serve and enjoy.
Savory Meatballs and Marinara with Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Another favorite is when you replace the gravy in this recipe with marinara sauce. Simply prepare your meatballs and mashed potatoes. Then layer the ingredients as instructed above.
Top with marinara sauce and shredded cheese before placing in the oven to bake. Once heated through and the cheese is melted, serve, and enjoy!
Potato Meatball Bake
Another easy way to enjoy potatoes and meatballs is to quarter your potatoes and add them to a casserole dish along with your prepared meatballs.
Add a bit of water into the pan, along with your favorite seasonings. Some of our favorite seasonings include garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cover with a lid, and place in the oven.
Heat the oven to 375°F. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the potatoes are soft, and your meatballs are done. Cover in your desired sauce or gravy, then serve, and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Meatballs & Potatoes
You could also enjoy making potatoes and meatballs in a crockpot if you wish. To do this simply prepare your meatballs, then wash, and quarter the potatoes.
Add them to the crockpot along with some water and cook on high for approximately 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Add any desired sauces, or condensed soups before serving.
Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake
Another way you could enjoy meatballs and potatoes is to simply wash, and thinly sliced the potatoes. Place them in a casserole dish along with your prepared meatballs. Add any seasonings you desire.
Bake until the potatoes are soft, and the meatballs are fully cooked. Remove from the oven and top with shredded cheese and bacon bits. Continue baking until the cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy.
Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole
To make loaded mashed potatoes and meatballs casserole begin by preparing the potatoes and boiling them until they are soft. Drain the water, then mash with sour cream, a little milk, cream cheese, chives, or green onions, and bacon bits.
Top these loaded mashed potatoes with meatballs and shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F until the cheese is melted, and the meatballs are cooked through. Serve and enjoy.
Frozen Meatballs and Potatoes
REMEMBER for any of these recipes you can substitute frozen meatballs for homemade meatballs. The price difference may not be substantial, especially if you are able to purchase the store brand, and it will save you a lot of time.
To use frozen meatballs, simply pull them out of the freezer and add them to the recipe before baking.
Storing and Reheating the Leftovers
Room Temperature Storage. Potatoes and meatballs should not be left at room temperature any longer than two hours, when the room temperature is between 40°F and 90°F.
If the temperature is 90°F or above, then they should not be left out any longer than one hour before going bad.
Refrigerator Storage. To store leftover meatballs and potatoes in the fridge, please transfer them to an air-tight container, or seal them in a plastic storage bag before placing them in the fridge.
They will last between 3 and 4 days when stored properly in the fridge.
Freezer. You can also store your leftover potatoes and meatballs in the freezer for up to three months. Please note that they should be stored in an air-tight container or sealed in a plastic freezer bag before they are frozen.
If your potatoes and meatballs contain gravy, we do not recommend freezing them as they likely will not thaw and reheat properly.
Reheating. There are several different ways you can reheat these potatoes and meatballs. We recommend that you reheat these in the oven at 350°F for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until warmed.
You can also use the microwave for a minute or two if needed, or even your air fryer at 350°F for 6-9 minutes or until warmed.
FAQs
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Although this casserole can be frozen, we do not recommend that you freeze it. We have found that when it is thawed and reheated it does not turn out as well as when fresh.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes. One of the great things about this recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time. We recommend that you prepare the mashed potatoes, meatballs, and gravy, and assemble the dish.
Then cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight until you are ready to heat and serve.
Please note if you are making this dish ahead, you will want to hold off on adding the cheese until the dish is reheated. Then add the cheese and heat until it is melted before serving.
Easy Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes
Our recipe for mashed potatoes and meatballs is a delicious recipe that hits the spot when you are looking for the perfect comfort food. You can make the entire dish from scratch, or use frozen meatballs, and packaged gravy.
No matter how you choose to make it, it is a delicious recipe that hits the spot. We hope you will give it a try, and let us know what you think!
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Meatballs and Potatoes Recipe
Delicious Potatoes and Meatballs
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 3 lbs russet potatoes washed and peeled
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 Tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup milk or enough to make moist
- 1 tsp garlic salt optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Meatballs
- 12-18 prepared meatballs for easy prep use frozen, or make your own
Gravy
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1-2 chicken or beef bouillon cubes
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp flour or corn starch mixed with water to remove lumps
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese Mozzarella is our preference but any works
- dried parsley to taste
Instructions
Make the Meatballs
- First, begin by making the meatballs, or you can use frozen meatballs if you want a shortcut. Using thawed ground meat, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until combined.
- Roll the meat into small balls and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking. You can easily cook these meatballs on the stovetop or in the oven.
- To cook on the stovetop, place a large skillet over medium meat. Drizzle a coating of oil in the bottom of the skillet, then add the chilled meatballs.
- Fry the meatballs over medium heat until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F.
- To cook the meatballs in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F, then place the meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are lightly browned and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Make the Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- While your meatballs are cooking you can prepare the potatoes. To make our delicious mashed potatoes, begin by washing the potatoes, then remove the peeling if you are using baking potatoes. Cut the potatoes into quarters.
- Place into a saucepan and cover in water. Place over high heat until the water begins to boil.
- Once boiling, decrease the burner temperature so that the water maintains a steady simmer. Boil for 10-15 minutes, or until you can easily insert a fork into the center of each potato.
- Remove from the burner and drain the water.
- Add, milk, butter, and cream cheese. Use a potato masher or mixer and mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
How to Make Gravy
- Finally, you can make gravy. In a medium-sized saucepan, over medium-high heat, add your broth, and bouillon cube. Stir until the cube is dissolved.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, and continue heating the liquid.
- Once you see it beginning to simmer, in a small bowl or cup, add cornstarch and water. Whisk until no lumps remain.
- Gently pour the water and cornstarch mixture into your warm broth. Pour it slowly in a continual stream, while you whisk the broth mixture.
- Please note that it is very important you pour this slowly and mix the entire time, to prevent clumps from forming.
- Continue stirring over medium heat, while the mixture comes to a simmer. Keep it at a light simmer, while you stir continually. You will begin to see the gravy thicken slightly.
- Once thick, remove the gravy from the burner, and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, ketchup, and BBQ sauce. Stir the mixture to combine.
Assemble
- Now it is time to assemble your dish. In a casserole dish, lightly coat it in cooking spray or a drizzle of oil.
- Add a thick layer of mashed potatoes.
- Then take your meatballs and gently press them into the potatoes so that they are covered approximately 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the way up.
- Next, take your prepared gravy, and pour it over the meatballs and gravy.
- Finally, top with shredded cheese and parsley.
- Place the casserole dish into the oven on low broil and carefully brown the cheese. The amount of time it takes may vary depending on your oven. For my oven, it takes less than 5 minutes. Be sure to keep a close eye on it, while it broils because it can go from not quite done, to burned in a matter of seconds.
- If you would rather bake it at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, rather than using the broil function, feel free.
- Once your cheese is lightly browned, remove the casserole dish from the oven, serve, and enjoy!
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