Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole

This Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings together all your favorites in one dish. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a bed of creamy, cheesy potatoes, all baked together until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas and leaves you reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying family dinner, this casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing winner. Trust me, you’re going to love it.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole

Cozy Comfort Food in One Dish

This casserole is pure comfort in every bite—cheese, potatoes, and meatballs all together. It’s like the warm hug you didn’t know you needed after a long day.

Quick and Easy

The recipe is super simple and doesn’t require hours of cooking. In no time, you can have a delicious casserole on the table, and the best part? It’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

Cheesy Goodness

If you’re a cheese lover, this casserole will make your heart sing. The combination of melted cheese and creamy potatoes makes each bite indulgently cheesy without being overwhelming.

Versatile

This casserole is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a casual family gathering, it’s bound to be the star of the show. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe to fit your tastes by using different types of cheese or adding your favorite seasonings.

Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will gobble this casserole up. With its combination of cheesy potatoes and flavorful meatballs, it’s a dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Now, let’s gather up what you’ll need for this cheesy, meaty masterpiece.

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: You can use either depending on your preference. Ground turkey is a leaner option, while beef gives a rich, savory flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and make them nice and tender.
• Eggs: To help hold everything together and add moisture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami boost to the meatballs.
• Garlic: For flavor—who doesn’t love garlic?!
• Onion Powder: Gives the meatballs an extra layer of savory flavor.
• Dried Oregano: A little herbaceous kick that pairs perfectly with the meatballs.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.

For the Potato Layer:

• Frozen Hash Browns: This shortcut ingredient keeps things easy, while still giving you that crispy, potato goodness.
• Sour Cream: For creaminess and a little tang.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds the cheesy, melty goodness that makes this casserole irresistible.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This keeps the potatoes creamy and binds everything together.
• Milk: To thin out the soup and help create that creamy, luscious texture.
• Garlic Powder: Extra flavor for the potatoes.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

(Note: Exact measurements are included in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Ready to dig into this cheesy, meaty goodness? Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and help with easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or your meatballs could be tough. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point because they’ll finish cooking in the casserole. Just get them nicely browned.

Step 4: Prepare the Potato Layer

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the potato layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the potatoes are well coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Spread the potato mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Once the meatballs are done baking, arrange them on top of the potatoes in an even layer.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out hearty portions of cheesy potatoes and meatballs, and enjoy the comforting, delicious flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 20g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole

• With a Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad or a simple side of sautéed vegetables to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to scoop up all that cheesy goodness.
• With Hot Sauce or Ketchup: If you like a little kick, drizzle some hot sauce or ketchup over your portion for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

• Meatball Variations: You can swap the beef or turkey for chicken, pork, or even meatless options like plant-based protein or tofu.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
• Leftovers: This casserole makes great leftovers! Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A1: You can, but using fresh potatoes will require extra prep work. If you use fresh potatoes, peel and grate them, then cook them briefly to soften before layering them in the casserole.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare everything and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking or add a bit more time to the bake.

Q3: Can I use different cheeses?
A3: Absolutely! Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Q4: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A4: Yes, you can replace the meatballs with vegetarian meatballs or even skip them entirely and use roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes! Prepare the casserole as instructed, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

Q7: Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
A7: Of course! You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the potato mixture for extra color and flavor.

Q8: Can I use a slow cooker to make this casserole?
A8: Yes, you can! Brown the meatballs in the oven or a skillet, then layer them in a slow cooker with the potato mixture. Cook on low for 4 hours or until everything is bubbly and hot.

Q9: Can I make this casserole spicier?
A9: Yes! Add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture for an extra kick.

Q10: How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
A10: If you like crispy potatoes, you can bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to get that golden, crispy top.

Conclusion

Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole is comfort food at its finest. With layers of tender meatballs, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, grab those ingredients and get ready to dig into a hearty, cheesy, meaty delight!

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