Potatoes with Meatballs And Cheese

Here’s a hearty, comforting dish: Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese — rich, filling, and baked to cheesy perfection. It’s like a casserole or layered bake with golden potatoes, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese tying it all together.

🧀🥔 Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: chopped parsley, onion powder, chili flakes

For the Potatoes:

• 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch or less)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: paprika or Italian seasoning

Cheese Sauce or Layer:

• 1 to 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix

• Optional: 1/2 cup béchamel or cream for extra richness

🔧 Instructions:

1. Prep Meatballs:

   • In a bowl, mix meatball ingredients until well combined.

   • Roll into small balls (1 to 1.5 inch in diameter).

   • Either sear them in a skillet with a bit of oil until browned or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Set aside.

2. Par-Cook Potatoes:

   • Boil sliced potatoes in salted water for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or microwave in a bowl with a splash of water for ~5 minutes. Drain.

3. Assemble:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • In a greased baking dish, layer:

     1. A layer of par-cooked potatoes

     2. Half the cheese

     3. Meatballs, evenly spaced

     4. Remaining potatoes and cheese on top

   • Optionally, pour a little cream or béchamel over everything.

4. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes.

   • Remove foil and broil or bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Great with a green salad or simple tomato sauce on the side.

🔁 Variations:

• Add a layer of sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach between potatoes.

• Swap cheese for gruyère, pepper jack, or feta for a twist.

• Want it spicy? Toss meatballs in buffalo sauce before baking.

Would you like a one-skillet stove-top version or a low-carb/keto variation with cauliflower instead of potatoes?