Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake

Ingredients

• 24 cooked beef meatballs
• 3 lb russet potatoes
• 2 cup beef gravy (Pour around the meatballs.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup warm milk (Warm before adding to the potatoes to keep them light and creamy.)
• 4 tbsp butter (Divided as needed for mashing and greasing the baking dish.)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• salt (To taste, for the mashed potatoes.)
• black pepper (To taste, for the mashed potatoes.)
• oil or butter for greasing (Use enough to lightly grease the baking dish.)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or butter.

2. 2

   Peel the russet potatoes, cut them into evenly sized pieces, and place them in a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork, about 15–20 minutes.

3. 3

   Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the warm pot. Add the warm milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing, which can make the potatoes gluey.

4. 4

   Arrange the cooked beef meatballs in the greased baking dish, leaving enough space between them for the mashed potatoes. Pour the beef gravy around the meatballs.

5. 5

   Spoon the mashed potatoes into the spaces between the meatballs and spread some over the meatballs as desired.

6. 6

   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the potatoes and meatballs.

7. 7

   Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until the gravy is bubbling and the cheese is melted, browned, and lightly crisp at the edges.

8. 8

   Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving so the gravy settles and the casserole is easier to portion.

Notes

Warm the milk before mashing to keep the potatoes light and creamy. The stated nutrition is 620 calories, 31 g protein, 59 g carbohydrates, and 29 g fat per serving; actual values may vary by meatball and gravy brands.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• casserole
• comfort food
• baked
• beef
• family dinner