If you’re looking for the definition of comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole. Imagine golden potatoes, savory meatballs, and gooey cheddar cheese all coming together in one bubbling, hearty bake. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, yet satisfying enough to impress friends or family around the dinner table. Each forkful brings a little bit of creamy, cheesy joy—this is the kind of meal that turns any night into a celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole is how a handful of humble ingredients blend into something magical. Every component plays its part: the potatoes offer a tender bite, the meatballs soak up flavor, and the cheese ties everything together in melty bliss.
- Frozen meatballs (1 pound, thawed): The ultimate time-saver; these provide juicy, seasoned bites throughout the casserole.
- Frozen diced hash brown potatoes (1 bag, 32 ounces): Chunky and convenient, these soak up all the creamy sauce while holding their shape.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): For rich, melty goodness—use extra sharp for a bolder flavor.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and creaminess for that crave-worthy casserole texture.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): The base of the sauce, lending savory depth to every bite.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps loosen the sauce, ensuring the potatoes bake up perfectly moist.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses gentle warmth and a pop of flavor.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the comfort-food taste and balances the creaminess.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Key for bringing everything together—taste and adjust as you like!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For just a hint of mellow spice in the background.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): A fresh, colorful garnish you can add just before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of cooking spray, butter, or oil—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Taking this moment up front sets you up for success once everything is ready to bake.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The goal is a silky, flavorful sauce that’s deeply savory with just a touch of tang from the sour cream. If you want extra pizzazz, a pinch of red pepper flakes works beautifully here!
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Cheese
Add the thawed diced hash brown potatoes and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl with your sauce. Gently fold the mixture together until everything is well coated and evenly combined. This is where the magic begins—every potato cube gets perfectly seasoned and prepped to bake up creamy inside, crispy-edged outside.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your cheesy potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly from corner to corner. Next, arrange the thawed meatballs over the top. Try to place them in a single, even layer so each serving ends up with plenty of meaty bites.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes—the trapped steam ensures the potatoes get tender and the flavors meld together for a truly unified dish.
Step 6: Add More Cheese & Finish Baking
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re watching for melted, bubbly cheese and perhaps a hint of golden brown at the edges—absolute perfection.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole rest for a few minutes. Finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Scoop generous portions onto plates and bask in the excitement of ultimate comfort food!
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole
Garnishes
Garnishing this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole is half the fun! A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a bright touch and helps cut through the richness. For something different, try thinly sliced green onions or even a dusting of smoked paprika for a little visual pop and flavor twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables is a lovely way to round out the meal. Warm buttery rolls or crusty garlic bread are perfect partners, letting you soak up any extra cheesy sauce without missing a drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole into a party centerpiece? Spoon portions into individual ramekins for make-ahead personal servings, or serve family-style from the baking dish for a cozy, communal feel. For special occasions, top each serving with a tiny skewer of extra meatballs and a sprig of fresh herbs—it’s casserole, elevated!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only deepen, making next-day lunches and snack attacks especially delicious.
Freezing
Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer individual portions to containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, either cover and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes (or until hot throughout) or zap individual servings in the microwave for quick results. If things look a bit dry, a sprinkle of extra cheese or a splash of milk before reheating does wonders.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely, homemade meatballs bring even more flavor and personality to your Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the dish for best results.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken soup is a great swap if you’re not a fan of mushrooms. You can also try cream of celery for a lighter, slightly herbal touch to your casserole’s sauce.
Is it possible to make Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Pop it straight into the oven (it may need a few extra minutes if baking from cold) when you’re ready to eat.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the meatballs with plant-based or vegetarian meatballs and ensure your soup and cheese are vegetarian-friendly. It’s just as delicious and satisfying!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Stirring in a cup of peas, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach with the potatoes adds extra nutrients, color, and flavor to your Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole is the kind of recipe that becomes an instant classic with just one tasting. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just a little bit nostalgic—ideal for cozy nights, potlucks, or anytime you want to make your loved ones smile. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised when requests for seconds (or the recipe) start rolling in!
Print
Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender meatballs nestled in a creamy potato and cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs, thawed
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, mix sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add hash brown potatoes and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese; mix well.
- Layer and bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Arrange meatballs on top. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use homemade meatballs for more flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
