Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese

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If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that brings together the flavors of hearty meatballs, creamy béchamel sauce, and cheesy potatoes, look no further! This Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a comforting blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with tender potatoes and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The layers of potatoes create a hearty base, while the meatballs add protein and flavor. The béchamel sauce ties everything together, providing a creamy richness that complements the other ingredients. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that makes for easy cleanup!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs and Potatoes

  • Potatoes and Vegetables:
  • 3 peeled parboiled Russet potatoes
  • 1 diced white onion
  • 1 pinch dried paprika
  • 1 pinch dried parsley
  • Meat:
  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • Cheese:
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • Seasoning:
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cups milk
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg

How to Make Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the Flour: Stir in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 6 minutes or until the mixture is golden and fragrant.
  3. Heat the Milk: In a separate pan, heat the milk until it’s close to boiling but not quite.
  4. Combine Milk and Flour Mixture: Gradually add a cup of hot milk at a time to the flour mixture, whisking continuously until smooth between each addition.
  5. Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Season the Sauce: Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs and Potatoes

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
  4. Layer the Potatoes: In a round casserole dish, line the bottom with slices of the parboiled potatoes, creating a layer along the sides as well.
  5. Arrange the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on top of the potato layer, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Add potato slices between the meatballs for extra heartiness.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour the Béchamel Sauce: Pour the prepared béchamel sauce evenly over the meatballs and potatoes, ensuring everything is covered.
  2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
  3. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired!

Helpful Tips for Recipe Success

  • Parboil Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are parboiled before adding them to the casserole. This ensures they are tender and cook evenly with the meatballs.
  • Customize Meatballs: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the meatball mixture for added flavor. Italian seasoning or garlic powder works great!
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and béchamel sauce in advance. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 550
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 35g

Time Required

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8

This Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, providing a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

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