Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

If you crave the ultimate comfort food, this Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake will satisfy every part of your soul. Imagine tender Swedish meatballs smothered in creamy, peppery gravy, all cozied up on a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes and finished with a shower of fresh parsley. It’s cozy, hearty, and brings the spirit of a home-cooked Sunday supper to any night of the week!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this recipe brings its own comfort and charm, from pillowy white bread for softness in the meatballs to rich beef broth for that irresistible gravy. Don’t worry—each ingredient is easy to find, but together they create layers of taste and soul-warming texture in our Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake.

• Swedish meatballs: The starring component—homemade from a blend of ground beef and pork for tenderness and depth of flavor.
• 1 slice white bread, finely diced: Softens in milk for the lightest, most pillowy meatballs you can imagine.
• 1/2 cup milk: Keeps those meatballs juicy and moist; whole milk works best but any variety is fine.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For a touch of richness, used in sautéing onions and garlic to sweet, aromatic perfection.
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion: Adds savory, slightly sweet notes to the meatballs.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Just enough to fragrance the mixture without overpowering the Swedish spice blend.
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef & 1/2 pound lean ground pork: The classic combination for flavor and juiciness; pork keeps everything tender, beef adds hearty savor.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Binds all the goodness together so your meatballs hold up beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper: Essential seasoning that brings out every flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice & 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: The iconic Swedish touch that adds complexity and a cozy aroma.
• Gravy (see below): Silky-smooth, beefy, and rounded out with a splash of cream for that satisfying finish.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter & 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Whisked together for a golden roux, the backbone of any good gravy.
• 1 1/2 cups warm beef broth: Use a high-quality stock for maximum depth.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Optional, but highly recommended for luscious, restaurant-quality gravy.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Bring the gravy to life with a few pinches as you go.
• Mash potatoes: (Use your favorite homemade or store-bought—fluffy, buttery potatoes make the perfect base!)
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley: For a splash of color and bright, fresh flavor just before serving.

Variations

One of the best parts about Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake? It’s endlessly customizable! Whether you want to use different meat, lighten things up, or give it a global spin, you’re free to play and personalize—so every family can make it their own kitchen classic.

• Chicken or Turkey Meatballs: Swap out the beef and pork for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter but still flavorful bake.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use non-dairy milk and plant butter, and skip the cream in the gravy—still creamy and absolutely satisfying!
• Spicy Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce into the gravy for a hint of heat that complements the richness.
• Classic Shepherd’s Pie Vibes: Mix in a handful of sweet corn or peas beneath the mashed potato layer for extra color and texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread and flour replacements in the meatball mix and gravy for a celiac-friendly version.

How to Make Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Step 1: Soak and Sauté

Start by finely dicing your slice of white bread and soaking it in milk right in the mixing bowl—this is your magic step to impossibly soft meatballs. While it soaks, sauté diced onion and garlic in plenty of butter just until glistening and fragrant, then stir them into the bread mixture. Let it cool a few minutes (so you don’t scramble the egg), and inhale that irresistible aroma—already smelling like Swedish magic!

Step 2: Form & Bake the Meatballs

Add your ground beef, pork, beaten egg, and those cozy spices—allspice and nutmeg—straight into the bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is just combined. Form into small (about two-teaspoon-sized) meatballs and set them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them space—just half an inch apart is perfect. Bake at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, just until cooked through and juicy.

Step 3: Make Dreamy Gravy

While the meatballs bake, whip up the star of any Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake—the savory gravy! Melt butter in a saucepan, sprinkle in the flour, and whisk until your roux smells toasty (about a minute). Slowly stream in the warm beef broth while whisking, letting the mixture thicken up until it will coat a spoon. If you’re feeling extra luxurious, swirl in a splash of cream. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, and marvel at the gloss!

Step 4: Layer, Assemble, and Serve

Transfer the cooked meatballs straight into the warm gravy and gently toss to coat them in glossy deliciousness. Spread a generous bed of warm mashed potatoes onto your platter or baking dish. Pile your gravy-laden meatballs over the top, then drizzle over every drop of leftover gravy. Finish with a fistful of chopped fresh parsley and let everyone dig in!

How to Serve Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is classic—it brightens up the entire bake with a pop of green and a subtle herby lift. You can also add a twist with thin-sliced green onions or a light dusting of extra cracked black pepper. For an extra layer of luxury, try a sprinkling of crispy fried shallots.

Side Dishes

This dish is a hearty, one-pan wonder, but a simple steamed veggie side—like crisp green beans or roasted carrots—add freshness and balance to your Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake. A tangy cucumber salad (think lightly pickled for crunch) is also a Scandinavian-inspired favorite!

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, serve your Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake in a big oven-safe platter for a help-yourself, family-style dinner. For wow-factor presentation, try layering scoops of mashed potatoes in ramekins, topping with saucy meatballs, and finishing under the broiler for a golden touch. Leftover meatballs and gravy also make epic open-faced sandwiches the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake keeps beautifully! Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed and don’t forget that generous splash of extra gravy to keep things moist.

Freezing

This bake is freezer-friendly for up to 2 months. Freeze cooled meatballs and gravy (without mashed potatoes for best texture) in separate airtight containers or zip bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat gently when ready to serve.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave (covered, with a splash of extra broth or gravy if needed) or reheat the whole bake in a 325°F oven until hot. Stir gently and garnish with fresh parsley to revive that just-made flavor!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm embrace at the end of the day, give this Meatball & Mashed Potato Bake a spot on your dinner table. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and delightfully simple—so gather your loved ones and let the cozy memories begin!

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