Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese

This comforting dish combines tender meatballs, hearty potatoes, and a rich béchamel sauce, all baked to golden perfection with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit with its layers of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 diced white onion
• 1 pinch dried paprika
• 1 pinch dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Potatoes:
• 3 peeled, parboiled Russet potatoes, sliced
• For the Topping:
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• For the Béchamel Sauce:
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

• Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for about 6 minutes until the mixture turns golden.
• Heat the milk in a separate pan until it’s just below boiling.
• Gradually add the hot milk to the flour mixture, one cup at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Set aside.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix well and shape the mixture into meatballs.

1. Assemble the Dish:

• Line the bottom and sides of a round casserole dish with the sliced potatoes.
• Arrange the meatballs on top of the potato layer, placing additional potato slices between each meatball.

1. Add the Béchamel Sauce and Cheese:

• Pour the prepared béchamel sauce over the meatballs and potatoes, ensuring everything is well-coated.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and savory combination of meatballs, potatoes, and cheese!

Tips for Perfect Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese:

• Parboiling Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are just parboiled, not fully cooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Even Meatballs: Try to make the meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
• Rich Flavor: Add a bit of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the meatball mixture for an extra flavor boost.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.

Enjoy your delicious Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese as a cozy, satisfying meal!