Creamy Baked Beef Meatballs over Mashed Potatoes

This is the kind of meal that makes you slow down. Creamy mashed potatoes, tender beef meatballs, and a rich gravy bubbling away in the oven — it’s pure comfort from the first bite to the last. The kind of dish you make on a cool evening when you want something hearty, familiar, and deeply satisfying.

There’s something nostalgic about this recipe. It feels like a cross between a cozy casserole and a classic Sunday dinner, with soft potatoes soaking up savory gravy and cheesy meatballs nestled on top. Warm, filling, and quietly indulgent, this is comfort food at its best.

Ingredients

For the Beef Meatballs:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 small onion, finely grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Creamy Gravy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• Salt, to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes.
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well, then mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into a greased baking dish.

2. Make the meatballs.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix gently, just until combined. Shape into medium-sized meatballs.

3. Brown the meatballs.
   Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked. Arrange them evenly over the mashed potatoes.

4. Prepare the creamy gravy.
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute. Slowly whisk in the beef broth until smooth, then let it simmer until thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.

5. Assemble and bake.
   Pour the gravy evenly over the meatballs and potatoes, letting it settle into all the cozy corners. Sprinkle the cheese over the top.

6. Bake until golden.
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

7. Serve warm.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve straight from the dish while it’s hot and comforting.

Presentation Tips

Serve this family-style right from the baking dish for maximum coziness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color, and a simple green salad on the side balances the richness beautifully. Spoon extra gravy over each serving — it’s too good not to.

Nutritional Information:

• ⏰ Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

• 🔥 Kcal: ~560 kcal per serving

• 🍽️ Servings: 4–5 servings

Conclusion

This creamy baked beef meatballs and mashed potatoes dish is the definition of comfort food. It’s hearty, warm, and deeply satisfying, with layers of flavor that feel familiar and special at the same time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a meal that truly feels like home.

If you’re craving something filling, creamy, and comforting, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. 💛