Boil Potatoes And Slice Them. Arrange With Meatballs And Cheese And Bake For A Delicious French Treat

This Cheesy French Casserole with Meatballs is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender meatballs, creamy béchamel sauce, and layers of potatoes topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a delicious twist on traditional meatball dishes, perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

For the Dish:

• 3 potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 package of ground beef
• 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley
• 1 pinch of paprika
• 1 large bag of shredded mozzarella
• Bechamel sauce (see recipe below)
• Salt
• Pepper

For the Bechamel Sauce:

• 5 tablespoons of butter
• 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 4 cups of milk
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Add flour and stir until smooth, cooking until it turns a light golden color (about 6-7 minutes).
• Heat milk in a separate pan until almost boiling, then gradually add it to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Season with salt and nutmeg, then set aside.

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel and boil the potatoes until semi-soft (about 7 minutes). Slice them into rounds and arrange them in a round glass baking dish, forming a layer on the bottom and sides.

1. Form the Meatballs:

• Shape the beef mixture into ice cream scoop-sized meatballs (about 15 total).
• Arrange the meatballs on top of the potato slices in the baking dish.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Use the remaining potato slices to create walls between the meatballs, forming compartments.
• Pour the prepared béchamel sauce into each compartment until relatively full.
• Top the casserole with a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

1. Bake:

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
• Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips:

• You can customize this dish by adding additional herbs or spices to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Be sure to evenly distribute the béchamel sauce and cheese for a creamy and cheesy casserole.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in the oven or microwave for easy meals throughout the week.