Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole
Introduction
This delightful Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
Combining the savory goodness of meatballs with the creamy texture of baked potatoes and a cheesy topping, this casserole offers a mouth-watering blend of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy.
It’s a perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and filling.
Ingredients
Potatoes: 5 large potatoes, thinly sliced
Meatballs: 500g ground beef
Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup
Milk: 1/4 cup
Egg: 1 large
Salt and pepper: to taste
Butter: 2 tablespoons
Flour: 2 tablespoons
Milk: 2 cups
Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare potatoes: Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes. Set aside.
Make meatballs:
In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup milk, egg, salt, and pepper.
Shape the mixture into small balls.
In a skillet, heat a little oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Prepare sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the casserole:
In a baking dish, layer half the sliced potatoes.
Arrange meatballs over the potatoes.
Pour half the sauce over the meatballs.
Repeat with another layer of potatoes and the remaining sauce.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Conclusion
The Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole is a versatile dish that can be adapted to include various ingredients such as different types of cheese or herbs for an added flavor twist.
It’s a wonderful way to bring a warm, comforting meal to the table that combines the best of baked potatoes and meatballs in a cheesy, creamy sauce.
Serve it hot for a satisfying meal that will delight your family and friends.