Mix the Potato Ingredients. While the meatballs are baking, spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray. Then combine all of the loaded mashed potato ingredients in a mixing bowl, and stir well to combine.
Shape the Potato Scoops. Use a large ice cream scoop to measure the potatoes into large balls, and line them up in your baking dish in four rows of three.
Top the Potato Scoops with the Meatballs. Make dent in the center of each scoop, for a meatball to sit in. I like to use a large cookie scoop to form the indents. Place one baked meatball on top of each potato scoop.
Make the Marinara Sauce
Cook the Aromatics. Set a large saucepan over medium heat, and add a swirl of olive oil. Cook the onions in the hot oil for about five minutes, until they are softened, and then add the garlic. Cook the garlic for an additional 60 seconds to release the fragrance.
Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings. Next, pour in the tomato sauce, and stir in the basil. Cook for ten minutes, before adding the salt, sugar, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Top the Meatballs and Bake. Top each meatball with sauce, and then with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes.
Broil. Finally, turn on the broiler to 500°F. Move the casserole to the top rack, and broil until the cheese is lightly browned. This should only take a few minutes, so keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Note that when using the broiler, it’s safer to use metal pans, rather than glass or ceramic, which can break under the high heat.
Enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
These are my favorite helpful hints for making this potato and meatball casserole, easily and successfully. Read on, and enjoy! This savory dish is sure to be a favorite.
Protein Options: I like to use beef and pork for my meatballs, but you can use any combination of beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Also, if you don’t want to use two types of meat, you can instead use my recipe to make traditional Baked Italian Meatballs instead.
Sauce Substitutes: Substitute any gravy or cream sauce that you like for the marinara. You can even use my Best Alfredo Sauce on top!
Cheese Choices: You can also use different cheeses, such as muenster, provolone, or even mild cheddar, depending on your family’s preferences!
What to Serve with Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatball Casserole :
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