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Cheesy Ranch Meatball Casserole with Mashed Potatoes

Ranch Potatoes with Homestyle Meatballs

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Elevate your dinner game with this easy-to-make Meatball Casserole featuring golden-brown meatballs nestled in a bed of rich and creamy mashed potatoes, all topped with a gooey layer of shredded cheese. Fast and easy! On the table in 30 minutes.

Meatball Casserole Ingredients

 

Homestyle Frozen Meatballs

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What Goes Well With Meatball Casserole

Meatball Casserole Instant Pot

Equipment:

 

Instructions:

Prepare Mashed Potatoes:

  • In the Instant Pot, add the Hungry Jack Potato Flakes, 1 1/2 sticks of butter, sour cream, Ranch dressing mix, cream cheese, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.

  • Set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

  • Once done, do a quick release of pressure and carefully open the Instant Pot. Stir the mashed potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Prepare Meatballs:

  • While the mashed potatoes are cooking, heat the oil in a pan on the stove.

  • Add the garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to the oil.

  • Add the frozen meatballs to the seasoned oil and sauté them until they are browned on all sides.

Layer the Casserole:

  • Transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe casserole dish that fits inside the Instant Pot.

  • Layer the browned meatballs on top of the mashed potatoes.

Set Up the Instant Pot for PIP:

  • Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot.

  • Place a trivet with handles into the Instant Pot over the water.

Cook Using PIP Method:

  • Carefully lower the casserole dish with the mashed potatoes and meatballs onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot.

  • Seal the Instant Pot and set it to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode for 5 minutes on high pressure.

Release Pressure and Broil:

  • Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release.

  • Carefully remove the Pot in Pot dish from the Instant Pot and place it in your oven under the broiler.

  • Sprinkle the top of the mashed potatoes with the shredded cheese.

  • Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve:

  • Carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve your Cheesy Ranch Meatball Casserole with a side of your favorite frozen vegetables.

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Meatball Casserole Oven

Prepare Mashed Potatoes:

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.

  • Slowly stir in the Hungry Jack Potato Flakes while continuously whisking to avoid lumps.

  • Add 1 and 1/2 sticks of butter to the potatoes and mix until well combined.

  • Stir in the sour cream, Ranch dressing mix, cream cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Continue mixing until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Casserole:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a medium-sized casserole dish and spread it evenly.

  • Prepare Meatballs:

  • While the oven is preheating, defrost the meatballs in the microwave for about 10 minutes.

  • In a large bowl, combine the defrosted meatballs, 6 tablespoons of oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Toss to coat the meatballs evenly.

Layer the Casserole:

  • Place as many meatballs as you can fit into the mashed potatoes, pushing them down slightly to nestle them in.

  • Place the remaining meatballs in another casserole dish.

Bake:

  • Cover both casserole dishes with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Broil:

  • After 20 minutes, remove the casseroles from the oven and uncover them.

  • Sprinkle the top of the mashed potatoes with the shredded cheese.

  • Place both casserole dishes back in the oven on the broil setting for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Serve:

  • Remove the casseroles from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

 

Serve the Cheesy Ranch Meatball Casserole with a side of your favorite frozen vegetables.

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Meatball Casserole Variations

Italian Meatball Casserole:

  • Replace the Ranch dressing mix with Italian seasoning.

  • Use Italian-style frozen meatballs and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before broiling.

BBQ Meatball Casserole:

  • Use BBQ sauce instead of Ranch dressing mix for a smoky flavor.

  • Top with additional BBQ sauce and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before broiling.

Spicy Meatball Casserole:

  • Add heat by using spicy meatballs or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning.

  • Top with sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese before broiling.

Meatball and Mushroom Casserole:

  • Stick with the original Ranch dressing mix.

  • Add sliced mushrooms to the meatball mixture for an earthy flavor.

  • Top with Swiss cheese before broiling for a savory twist.

Meatball and Spinach Casserole:

  • Keep the Ranch dressing mix.

  • Add chopped spinach to the mashed potatoes.

  • Top with a blend of Italian cheeses before broiling for a balanced option.

Meatball and Bacon Casserole:

  • Maintain the Ranch dressing mix.

  • Add crispy bacon bits to the mashed potatoes.

  • Top with more bacon bits and cheddar cheese before broiling for a hearty dish.

Teriyaki Meatball Casserole:

  • Use teriyaki sauce for flavoring the meatballs.

  • Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before broiling.

  • Serve with a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.

Tex-Mex Meatball Casserole:

  • Replace Ranch dressing mix with taco seasoning.

  • Use Mexican-style frozen meatballs.

  • Add layers of salsa, shredded cheddar, and diced tomatoes before broiling.

  • Serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Meatball and Pesto Casserole:

Use basil pesto for added flavor in the mashed potatoes. - Top with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese before broiling.

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