Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes
Meatballs and mashed potatoes—what a classic combination! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or a satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I made this recipe; it instantly became a family favorite. The savory meatballs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, making it a hearty and fulfilling choice that warms the soul. Plus, it tends to bring everyone to the table, eager for seconds!
What Makes This Recipe Special
You’ll absolutely adore this dish for numerous reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s budget-friendly too; using ground beef or turkey, you’ll find this recipe won’t break the bank. Not to mention, it’s a kid-approved meal that even the pickiest eaters enjoy. Whether it’s for a family brunch or a comforting dinner after a long day, meatballs and mashed potatoes are sure to please everyone.
“This recipe has become a staple in our home. The kids devour the meatballs, and the mashed potatoes are the creamiest I’ve ever made!”
How This Recipe Comes Together
To whip up this delightful dish, you will first mix your ingredients together to form scrumptious meatballs. While those are baking, you’ll work on preparing a batch of creamy mashed potatoes. Finally, just plate it all together, and you’re set for a hearty meal!
What You’ll Need
Gather these key ingredients before you start:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (made from about 2-3 large potatoes)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Gravy (optional, but highly recommended!)
Remember, you can replace beef with turkey for a leaner option or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary adjustments.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Meanwhile, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash them with milk and butter until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Serve the delightful meatballs over a generous portion of mashed potatoes, and drizzle with gravy if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
For serving, consider a warm plate to keep everything cozy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds not only color but that pop of freshness. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling creative, you can even add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes for an extra flavor kick.
How to Store & Freeze
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave. If you’d like to freeze, wait until everything has cooled down, then freeze the meatballs and mash separately in freezer-safe containers. They will keep well for up to 3 months!
Pro Chef Tips
For the perfect meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture; otherwise, they can become tough. An ice cream scoop can help you achieve evenly sized meatballs. For a more flavorful mashed potato, try adding roasted garlic or herbs like chives. And don’t forget, seasoning is key—taste as you go!
Creative Twists
Feel like exploring new flavors? Consider adding a touch of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for that extra zing. Swap out the parsley for fresh basil to give a delightful twist. If you’re going for a healthier version, substitute the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb mash that’s just as creamy.
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and with cooking, you’re looking at about an hour total.
Can I use other meats instead?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork can work well as alternatives.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure any sauces or extras are also gluten-free.
What if I have leftovers?
Enjoy them the next day! Just reheat and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go.
Whipping up meatballs and mashed potatoes is not just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt experience that brings loved ones closer together. Try it tonight, and you might discover a new favorite family tradition!
Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey You can replace beef with turkey for a leaner option.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary adjustments.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley Can substitute with fresh basil for a twist.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste Salt and pepper Seasoning is key—taste as you go!
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (made from about 2-3 large potatoes) Boil peeled and chopped potatoes until tender.
- 1/2 cup milk Adjust for desired creaminess.
- 4 tablespoons butter For a more flavorful mash, consider adding roasted garlic or herbs.
- to taste Gravy Optional, but highly recommended!
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Meanwhile, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash them with milk and butter until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Serve the delightful meatballs over a generous portion of mashed potatoes, and drizzle with gravy if desired.
