Potatoes with Meatballs And Cheese

A classic comfort food combo! Here’s a delicious and satisfying recipe for Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese that’s like a cross between a hearty casserole and a baked potato skillet.

Hearty Potato & Meatball Casserole

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

· 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
· 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
· 1 large egg
· 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
· 1 garlic clove, minced
· 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the potato base:

· 1.5 lbs (700g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 tsp paprika
· 1/2 tsp garlic powder
· Salt and pepper

For the sauce & topping:

· 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
· 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
· 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for flavor)
· Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep & Par-cook Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss potato cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until just tender and starting to brown. (This prevents soggy potatoes).
2. Make the Meatballs: While potatoes roast, mix all meatball ingredients (except oil) in a bowl. Form into 1-inch balls. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through). Remove and set aside.
3. Assemble: Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C). In the same skillet (or a baking dish), combine the par-cooked potatoes and browned meatballs. Pour the marinara sauce and broth over everything and gently stir to coat.
4. Bake: Cover the skillet/dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.

Quick Skillet Version (30-Minute Meal):

For a faster take, use pre-cooked or frozen meatballs and diced frozen potatoes/hash browns.

1. Brown the meatballs and potatoes together in a large, oven-safe skillet.
2. Stir in sauce and a splash of broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Top with cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions & Tips:

· Cheese Choices: For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan to the mix or use smoked cheese.
· Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the sauce.
· Make it Creamy: For a richer sauce, mix a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese into the marinara.
· Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or dill at the end brightens the dish.

This is a wonderfully flexible recipe—enjoy the process and make it your own!