1. Boil the Potatoes
1
Step 1
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes. Add them to a large pot of salted boiling water and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until completely tender when pierced with a fork.
Cheesy Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake
Cheesy Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake combines browned mini meatballs with a rich sauce made from fresh tomatoes, peppers, red onion and garlic. The meatball mixture is covered with creamy cheese-filled mashed potatoes, topped with grated Parmesan and baked until golden. This comforting casserole is ideal for family dinners, sharing meals and satisfying make-ahead dinners.
- Prep time
- 20 minutes
- Cook time
- 45 minutes
- Total time
- 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield
- 6 servings
Ingredients
For the meatballs and tomato sauce:
For the cheesy mashed potatoes:
For the topping:
Method
2. Brown the Meatballs
2
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the mini meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning regularly, until browned on the outside.
3. Remove the Meatballs
3
Step 3
Transfer the browned meatballs to a separate bowl using a slotted spoon. Leave the oil and browned flavourful pieces in the pan.
4. Cook the Tomatoes
4
Step 4
Arrange the whole tomatoes in the same pan. Season with oregano, paprika, salt and black pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat for approximately 8–10 minutes, until the tomato skins begin to split and the flesh softens.
5. Add the Vegetables
5
Step 5
Finely dice the red onion and bell pepper. Thinly slice the green chilli and finely chop the garlic. Add all the vegetables to the softened tomatoes.
6. Soften the Sauce Ingredients
6
Step 6
Cover the pan again and cook for another 6–8 minutes. The onion and peppers should soften while the tomatoes release their juices.
7. Crush the Tomatoes
7
Step 7
Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to crush the softened tomatoes directly in the pan. Stir until the tomatoes and vegetables form a thick, slightly chunky sauce.
8. Return the Meatballs
8
Step 8
Add the browned meatballs back to the pan. Stir until they are evenly coated in the tomato sauce and simmer over low heat for approximately 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
9. Make the Mashed Potatoes
9
Step 9
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth and creamy.
10. Add the Cheese
10
Step 10
Add the shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the hot mashed potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix until the cheese is evenly incorporated.
11. Cover the Meatballs
11
Step 11
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a piping bag and pipe them evenly over the meatballs and tomato sauce. Alternatively, spoon the mash over the filling and spread it across the pan.
12. Smooth the Surface
12
Step 12
Use a spatula or bench scraper to smooth the mashed potato layer. Make sure the meatball mixture is completely covered.
13. Add the Parmesan
13
Step 13
Finely grate the Parmesan over the entire surface of the mashed potatoes.
14. Bake Until Golden
14
Step 14
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for approximately 15–20 minutes. For a deeper golden crust, switch the oven to the grill or broiler setting for the final 2–3 minutes.
15. Rest and Serve
15
Step 15
Allow the bake to rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve while hot, making sure each portion includes both mashed potatoes and saucy meatballs.