Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake: Easy 5-Ingredient Win

Name: Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fully cooked meatballs (frozen or homemade); 4 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover); 1½ cups brown gravy (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley or green onions, optional (garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake sounds like the kind of dinner that gives you a deep exhale before you even sit down… you’re my kind of people. This is the “everyone’s fed and nobody’s cranky” meal—warm, hearty, and honestly a lifesaver when the day has been doing the absolute most.

It’s also the perfect way to turn leftovers (hello, mashed potatoes) into something that feels brand-new. And since we’re using fully cooked meatballs, this whole thing is basically assembly + bake. The oven does the heavy lifting while you do important things… like changing into sweatpants.

Why You’ll Love This Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake

Comfort food on autopilot: Creamy mashed potatoes + savory gravy + cheesy top = cozy in a dish.
Weeknight-friendly: Minimal prep, no fancy steps, no random ingredients you’ll never use again.
Picky-eater approved: It’s meatballs and mashed potatoes. That’s practically a peace treaty.
Great for leftovers: This bake was basically invented for “I have mashed potatoes, now what?”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your simple lineup for Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake:

1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs, fully cooked
4 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftovers—both work beautifully)
1½ cups brown gravy (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient notes from my kitchen:

If your mashed potatoes are on the thick side (a.k.a. “could hold up a spoon”), that’s totally fine. This bake loves sturdy potatoes.
Mozzarella = melty and mild. Cheddar = a little sharper and extra cozy. Choose your mood.

How to Make Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake

1) Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

2) Layer the mashed potatoes

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish like you’re tucking them in for a nap.
Taste first—then add salt and pepper if needed.

3) Add the meatballs

Place the fully cooked meatballs evenly over the mashed potatoes. No need to be precious about it—this is a rustic, cozy situation.

4) Pour on the gravy

Drizzle the brown gravy over everything, aiming to coat the meatballs and seep into the potatoes a little. This is where the magic comfort happens.

5) Top with cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar all over the top. Be generous—this is not the time for restraint.

6) Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until it’s heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7) Garnish and serve

Top with parsley or green onions if you want a little pop of color (and the illusion that we’re very fancy). Serve hot.

Cooking Tips (Because Life Is Real)

If your gravy is thick: Warm it slightly before pouring so it spreads easily. If it still looks extra thick… don’t worry. It’s just comfort concentrating.
If your mashed potatoes are cold leftovers: Let them sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes, or microwave them briefly. Cold potatoes can be stubborn, and we don’t negotiate with stubborn potatoes.
Want crispier cheese on top? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch it like a hawk—broilers go from “golden” to “what happened” in seconds.
Make it stretch further: Serve with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. It balances the cozy and makes you feel like a person who has it together.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake saved me during one of those weeks where my to-do list had its own to-do list. You know the kind—laundry mountain, emails multiplying, and someone in the house asking, “What’s for dinner?” as if dinner is a surprise event I wasn’t informed about.

I had meatballs in the freezer and leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge. Ten minutes later, dinner was in the oven and my kitchen smelled like a cozy hug. That’s my favorite kind of recipe: the kind that shows up for you when you’re running on fumes.

Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake in a white baking dish with creamy mashed potatoes, fully cooked meatballs, rich brown gravy, melted cheese, and parsley. — Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake topped with savory gravy and melty cheese—an easy, cozy dinner the whole family will love.

FAQs About Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake

Can I use frozen meatballs for Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake?

Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked. If they’re frozen, warm them according to package directions first (or thaw overnight) so everything heats evenly.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella melts like a dream. Cheddar adds a richer, sharper flavor. You can also mix them if you’re feeling unstoppable.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes since it’s starting cold.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Can I freeze it?

Yes—freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Cozy Dinners Don’t Get Easier Than This

If you’re craving something warm, filling, and practically guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake is it. It’s simple, comforting, and exactly the kind of meal that makes a busy day feel a little softer around the edges.

And if you end up making it twice in one week… no judgment. That’s not “repeating dinner.” That’s protecting your peace with Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake.

Keep the Comfort Going (You’ll Love These Too)

If this Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake just made your dinner life easier, don’t stop here—here are a few more cozy favorites you’ll probably want on repeat:

Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs — Saucy, comforting, and basically dinner doing the most with the least effort.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes — Creamy, fluffy, and hands-off (aka the best kind of side dish).
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy — Rich, cozy, and made for piling over mashed potatoes.
French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole — Cheesy comfort with a little “ooh that’s good” in every bite.

If you try this recipe (or any of these), I’d love to hear what you think—scroll down and leave a ★★★★★ rating and a quick comment. Your reviews help other home cooks find their next cozy dinner win.