Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy : The rich mashed potatoes and melty cheese create a decadent base that ties everything together.
- Hearty & Filling : Juicy meatballs make this dish satisfying and protein-packed.
- One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup makes this dish as practical as it is delicious.
- Customizable : Add veggies, spices, or sauces to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly : Even picky eaters will devour this cheesy, comforting masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 6–8
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg , lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil , for browning
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes , peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper , to taste
For the Assembly:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil , chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 16–20 meatballs).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked, as they’ll finish in the oven). Remove and set aside.
