Introduction
Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the richness of meatballs, the creaminess of melted cheese, and the soft texture of baked potatoes. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish combines familiar flavors in a satisfying, oven-baked meal. It’s simple to prepare, and the layers of potato, savory meatballs, and gooey cheese make it irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Potatoes and Sauce:
4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
½ cup milk
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until evenly combined.
Shape into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You can parboil them for 5–7 minutes if you want them to cook faster in the oven.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish with butter.
Layer half the potatoes on the bottom, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle some onions.
Arrange the meatballs evenly on top.
Add the remaining potato slices over the meatballs.
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
In a saucepan, warm the cream and milk with a bit of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the potatoes and meatballs.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Description
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The potatoes become tender and soak up the rich cream sauce, while the meatballs add a savory depth. The melted cheese ties everything together into a warm, comforting casserole perfect for any occasion.
Tips
You can use leftover mashed potatoes instead of sliced ones for a softer texture.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little spice.
To make it lighter, replace heavy cream with milk and a bit of Greek yogurt.
Try using different cheeses like gouda or provolone for varied flavor.
Variations
Vegetable Add-In: Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers between the layers.
Different Meat: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Tomato Sauce Version: Add a layer of tomato or marinara sauce between the meatballs and potatoes before baking.
Correction
If the dish turns out too dry, add more cream or milk next time before baking.
If the potatoes are undercooked, slice them thinner or pre-cook them longer before layering.
Enjoy
Serve warm with a fresh salad or crusty bread on the side. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — a true comfort meal that everyone will love.