Baked Meatball and Potato Casserole: Hearty, Comforting, and Deliciously Satisfying 🍖🥔🥘

Why You’ll Love This Baked Meatball and Potato Casserole

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein-rich meatballs and starchy potatoes, this dish will satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

• Convenient One-Dish Meal: With minimal prep and just one baking dish to clean, it’s a perfect solution for busy nights.

• Versatile and Adaptable: Change up the herbs, add extra vegetables, or even swap types of meat to suit your tastes.

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekend meals.

• Rich and Flavorful Sauce: A blend of tomatoes, broth, and spices that brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients – Simple Staples for a Hearty Meal

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)

• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Note: You can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Baked Meatball and Potato Casserole – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

3. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get roughly 20 meatballs.

4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until they are lightly browned. (Alternatively, you can pan-sear them on the stovetop.)

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces.

2. In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. In your greased baking dish, spread out the potato cubes evenly as the base layer.

2. Scatter the partially cooked meatballs over the potatoes.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir in dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.

4. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs and potatoes.

5. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

1. Bake for 40–45 minutes covered, then remove the foil.

2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

3. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Check that the potatoes are fork-tender and the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature should be 160°F for beef).

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes.

• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

• Enjoy your warm, hearty casserole with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole

• Meatball Formation: If the mixture is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before forming the meatballs.

• Even Cooking: Cut potatoes into similar-size pieces to ensure even cooking.

• Layering: Pouring the sauce evenly over the layers ensures that the flavors meld beautifully as it bakes.

• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend to suit your taste.

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.

Variations to Customize Your Casserole

• Vegetable Boost: Add a layer of sliced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper into the sauce.

• Different Meats: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a mix of meats to suit your preference.

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a more aromatic flavor.

What to Serve With Baked Meatball and Potato Casserole

This comforting casserole goes wonderfully with:

• A light green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette

• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts

• Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to mop up the delicious sauce

• A tangy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast

Storage, Reheating & Freezing

To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 60-second increments until warmed through. In the oven, bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated evenly.

Freezing:

• This casserole can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving, Makes 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~480 per serving

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 32g

• Fat: 25g

• Sodium: ~650mg
  Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I prepare this dish with pre-cooked potatoes?
A: For best texture and flavor, we recommend using raw potatoes. However, if you're short on time, parboiling them can speed up the process.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
A: Absolutely—just use a larger casserole dish or two standard ones. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have tomato paste?
A: You can substitute with an extra ½ can of diced tomatoes or a splash of tomato sauce. The goal is to create a robust, thick sauce.

Q: Is this recipe adaptable for a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the meatballs and potatoes first, then combine with the sauce in your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours until the potatoes are tender, and finish with a cheese topping towards the end if desired.

Final Thoughts

Baked Meatball and Potato Casserole is the embodiment of comfort food—rich, hearty, and bursting with layers of flavor. This one-dish meal takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a culinary delight that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this casserole promises to become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire.

Give it a try the next time you're craving something warm, filling, and utterly satisfying. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and watch as your family comes together to share in the comfort of home-cooked goodness.