healthy lifestyle :
Cheesy Mashed Potato & Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
* For the Meatballs & Sauce:
* Prepared meatballs (beef or mixed)
* Fresh tomatoes (whole)
* Diced onions
* Diced green bell peppers
* Diced red bell peppers
* Diced celery
* Tomato paste
* Seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or seasoning blend to taste)
* For the Mashed Potatoes:
* Peeled and boiled potatoes
* Butter
* Shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
* Milk or cream
* Salt and black pepper
* Fresh chopped parsley
* For Topping:
* Additional shredded cheese for melting on top
* Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
* Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
* Make the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, place whole tomatoes along with the diced onions, bell peppers, and celery. Let them simmer and soften.
* Blend the Sauce: Use a potato masher to crush and mash the tomatoes and vegetables into a rich, chunky sauce. Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
* Combine: Add the cooked meatballs back into the rich vegetable tomato sauce and mix well until heated through.
* Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes together with butter, salt, pepper, shredded cheese, milk, and fresh parsley until smooth and creamy.
* Assemble the Casserole:
* Spread a layer of the prepared mashed potatoes evenly into the bottom of a baking dish.
* Add the meatball and tomato sauce mixture in an even layer directly over the mashed potatoes.
* Pipe or spread another layer of mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing it out.
* Top generously with shredded cheese.
* Bake: Bake in the oven until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and golden-brown.
* Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, slice into portions, and serve warm!
2026-11-14 16:12:34