Looking for the perfect cozy dish that brings together all your favorite comfort food flavors? This Cheesy Minced Meat & Mashed Potato Bake is the answer. Juicy meatballs, herbed tomato sauce, buttery mashed potatoes, and melted cheese all layered into one hearty, oven-baked dish—it’s what dinner dreams are made of. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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600 g potatoes (peeled and cubed)
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2 liters water
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10 g salt (for boiling)
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30 g butter
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10 g fresh dill, chopped
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10 g salt (for seasoning)
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5 g black pepper
For the Meatballs:
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600 g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
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1 egg
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50 g breadcrumbs
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10 ml olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
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100 g tomato sauce
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1 onion, finely chopped
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5 g oregano
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5 g garlic powder
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5 g sweet paprika
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5 g black pepper
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5 g salt
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10 ml olive oil
For the Topping:
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150 g grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar work best)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes in 2 liters of salted water until fork-tender—about 15–20 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes while still hot. Mix in the butter, chopped dill, additional salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the bottom of a lightly greased baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Herby Tomato Sauce
In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until golden and fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Once done, spoon this sauce evenly over the mashed potato layer.
Step 3: Form and Arrange the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat with egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined but not overworked. Shape into small meatballs (roughly the size of a walnut) and arrange them on top of the tomato sauce. You can place them in rows or form a circular pattern for a more decorative look.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the entire dish, covering the meatballs evenly. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the meatballs are cooked through.
✅ Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served hot, straight out of the oven. It’s filling on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus
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Toasted garlic bread for dipping into the sauce
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One dish, full meal – protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness in every bite
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Customizable – swap the meat for turkey, lentils, or a plant-based mix
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Family-friendly – kids love the cheesy, saucy layers
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Meal prep ready – reheats well for lunches or busy weeknights
Whether you’re cooking for a group or simply indulging yourself in a rich, satisfying dinner, this Cheesy Minced Meat & Mashed Potato Bake is the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.