If you’ve never tried a meatball casserole recipe, this comforting baked dish is the perfect place to start. Juicy beef meatballs, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheese, and roasted cherry tomatoes come together in one pan for a rich, satisfying, and family-friendly meal.
Unlike many casseroles, this version is a meatball casserole without pasta and without tomato ketchup, making it creamier, heartier, and ideal for those who prefer white-sauce–based comfort food. It’s baked in the oven to golden perfection and works beautifully for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Checkout the video recipe:
Why You’ll Love This Meatball Casserole
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One-pan meatball casserole in oven
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Creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavourful
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No pasta, no ketchup
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Easy to adapt for freezer meatballs
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Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
This recipe also adapts well for other cooking methods, including slow cooker or Instant Pot, which we’ll cover below.
Ingredients
🧆 Meatballs
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500g ground beef
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1 egg, whisked
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1 large onion, grated
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100g breadcrumbs
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp paprika powder
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1 tsp Italian herbs
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½ tsp black pepper
For frying:
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
🥔 Potato Base
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4–5 potatoes, thinly sliced
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp Italian herbs
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp olive oil
🍄 Creamy Mushroom Sauce
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2 tbsp butter
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1 large onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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300g mushrooms, sliced
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2 tbsp flour
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200g cream
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1/3 tsp salt
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1/3 tsp nutmeg
🧀 Toppings
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200g grated cheese (mozzarella or mix)
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Cherry tomatoes (optional)
How to Make Meatball Casserole in Oven
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground beef, whisked egg, grated onion, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, paprika, Italian herbs, and black pepper. Mix well and shape into evenly sized meatballs.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan and shallow-fry the meatballs for 4–5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Layer
Slice the potatoes thinly and place them in a bowl. Season with salt, Italian herbs, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix until evenly coated.
Spread the potatoes in a baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In a pan, melt butter and sauté chopped onion for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook briefly. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
Sprinkle in the flour, stir well, then pour in the cream. Season with salt and nutmeg and simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Arrange the fried meatballs over the baked potatoes. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with grated cheese and add cherry tomatoes if using.
Bake again at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This meatball casserole without pasta is a complete meal on its own. Serve it with:
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A fresh green salad
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Steamed vegetables
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Garlic bread or crusty bread
Variations & Cooking Methods
Meatball Casserole with Freezed Meatballs
You can easily make this recipe using frozen meatballs. Thaw them first or brown them lightly before assembling the casserole for best texture.
Meatball Casserole Slow Cooker
Layer potatoes, meatballs, and sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then add cheese at the end.
Meatball Casserole InstantPot
Use sauté mode for meatballs and sauce, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes with quick release. Add cheese and let it melt before serving.
Helpful Tips
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Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking
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Use full-fat cream for best flavour
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Mozzarella gives stretch, while mixed cheese adds depth
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Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatball casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this a meatball casserole without tomato ketchup?
Yes. This recipe uses a creamy mushroom sauce instead of tomato-based sauces.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven until hot throughout.
What makes this different from traditional meatball casseroles?
It’s pasta-free, ketchup-free, and focuses on creamy, savoury flavours instead of tomato sauce.
Final Thoughts
This meatball casserole recipe is comfort food at its best—rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you bake it in the oven, adapt it for a slow cooker, or prepare it with freezer meatballs, it’s a reliable dish that always delivers.
If you’re looking for a meatball casserole without pasta, without tomato ketchup, and full of flavour, this recipe deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.
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