Potatoes with Meatballs And Cheese
Title: Cheesy Meatball and Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and black pepper.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
- Place the cooked meatballs over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the meatballs.
- Layer the remaining sliced potatoes and pour the rest of the cheese sauce over the top.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the hearty combination of potatoes, meatballs, and cheesy goodness!
Time and Intensity:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Intensity: Moderate
Note: This Cheesy Meatball and Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of savory meatballs, creamy cheese sauce, and tender potatoes. Serve it as a hearty family dinner or bring it to a potluck for a crowd-pleasing meal. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavor in every bite!