Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese

Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines savory meatballs with creamy potatoes and melted cheese. This dish is hearty and flavorful, and it can be a great main course for dinner. Below is a simple recipe for making this comforting meal:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

For the Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, garlic, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as that can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. You can check doneness by cutting one open or using a meat thermometer (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).
5. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe dish (like a casserole dish), arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer. If needed, overlap them slightly.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is warm.
4. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the sliced potatoes, making sure they are well-coated.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a knife into the potatoes (they should be soft).

3. Assemble the Dish:

1. Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked meatballs on top of the potatoes in the baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, covering the meatballs and potatoes.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

4. Serve:

• Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This meal is great on its own, or you can serve it with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to use your favorite cheese. Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but you could also use Gruyère, gouda, or a mix of cheeses.
• For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or a little bit of mustard powder to the potatoes for an extra flavor boost.
• Meatball options: If you want to make the meatballs lighter, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork.

This Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese dish is comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and the combination of hearty potatoes, savory meatballs, and melty cheese makes it a family favorite.