Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake Recipe
There is something incredibly comforting about a hearty Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish takes classic, beloved ingredients—juicy meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, rich brown gravy, and melty cheese—and layers them together into an irresistible casserole that sings cozy vibes with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an easy weeknight crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers all the familiar, soul-satisfying flavors in one amazing bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is what makes this Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake so approachable, yet each element plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender meatballs to the creamy mashed potatoes and that golden cheesy crust, every ingredient is essential.
- 1 lb Frozen or homemade meatballs: Choose your favorite kind, cooked beforehand, to pack the bake with savory, meaty goodness.
- 4 cups Mashed potatoes: Freshly made or even leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly, providing that smooth, creamy base.
- 1 cup Brown gravy: This adds a luscious, savory moisture that ties all the elements together.
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, bringing gooey richness and a slightly crispy finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance every layer’s natural flavors.
How to Make Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the casserole cooks evenly without drying out. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well—this prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange Meatballs and Layer Gravy
Place your cooked meatballs evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a savory foundation. Pour the brown gravy over the meatballs gently, coating them in that rich sauce that will keep everything moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Spread the Mashed Potatoes
Now it’s time for the creamy layer. Spread your mashed potatoes carefully over the meatballs and gravy, smoothing out the surface with a spatula for even coverage. This creamy blanket holds the entire dish together, offering that irresistible comfort texture.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle your choice of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese generously on top. This not only creates a beautifully golden crust but also adds a deliciously gooey, melty finish to the bake.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown—perfect for digging in!
How to Serve Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, hearty layers. For a little extra zing, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of tangy mustard on the side can brighten the plate wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This bake is rich and filling, so pairing it with crisp, vibrant sides like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables helps balance the meal. Roasted carrots or garlic sautéed green beans make fantastic complements.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your friends, serve this Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions that look charming and cozy. Alternatively, layering in a trifle-style glass bowl can showcase those beautiful layers for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, you can cover the leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after resting, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time or save portions for busy days. Use an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is lovely and melty again. You can also microwave single portions for convenience, just cover to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought meatballs for this bake?
Absolutely! Store-bought cooked meatballs work perfectly and save prep time. Just be sure they are fully cooked before assembling the bake.
Is it okay to use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes are actually ideal for this recipe and make it extra convenient, giving you a delicious way to use up any spuds hanging out in the fridge.
Can I substitute the cheese?
You can swap mozzarella or cheddar for any melting cheese you love, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
How do I make this dish gluten free?
Simply use gluten-free gravy or make your own with cornstarch. Ensure the meatballs are gluten free as well, and you’re good to go!
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Stir cooked veggies like peas, carrots, or corn into the mashed potatoes for an extra boost of color and nutrients that blend beautifully with the meatballs and sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake is pure comfort food magic that deserves a spot on your dinner rotation. It combines ease, heartiness, and flavors everyone loves in one cozy dish. Trust me, once you try making it, the whole family will be asking for seconds — and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.
PrintMeatball & Mashed Potato Bake Recipe
This comforting Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake combines savory cooked meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, smothered in rich brown gravy and topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty casserole perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs, cooked
Mash & Sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes, fresh or leftover
- 1 cup brown gravy, homemade or store-bought
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Meatballs: Place the cooked meatballs evenly in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking and coverage.
- Add Gravy: Pour the brown gravy evenly over the meatballs to infuse flavor and keep the bake moist.
- Spread Mashed Potatoes: Evenly spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meatballs and gravy, gently smoothing the surface with a spatula for consistent thickness.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes, adding salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the bake is heated through.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought meatballs and gravy to save time.
- Leftover mashed potatoes work great in this recipe, adding convenience and reducing waste.
- Feel free to customize the cheese type depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some herbs like parsley or thyme on top before baking.
- This dish reheats well and makes for delicious leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: meatball casserole, baked mashed potatoes, easy dinner, comfort food, meatball bake, mashed potato bake