Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake

Get ready to delight your taste buds with a hearty and comforting dish that combines the richness of cheesy meatballs with the wholesome goodness of potatoes. Introducing Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake, a mouthwatering recipe that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. With its layers of tender meatballs, sliced potatoes, savory tomato sauce, and creamy cheese sauce, this bake is a true crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup panko
• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Lemon juice
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Potato Bake:

• 5 medium-sized Yukon gold potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

For the Cream Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Making the Meatballs:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, egg, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped basil, oregano, a splash of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Preparing the Potato Bake:

1. Layer Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes in an even layer in a greased baking dish.
2. Add Tomato Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the potatoes, covering them completely.
3. Sprinkle Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley and basil over the tomato sauce.
4. Add Meatballs: Arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the potatoes and tomato sauce.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.

Making the Cream Sauce:

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Flour: Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth, creating a roux.
3. Cook Roux: Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it begins to turn golden brown.
4. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Season: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Pour Sauce: Pour the cream sauce over the meatballs and potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
2. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, Parmesan, or provolone for varied flavor profiles.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute for panko breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for the meatballs? A: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: To make a keto-friendly version, omit the potatoes and use cauliflower florets or broccoli instead. Substitute the all-purpose flour in the cream sauce with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a low-carb tomato sauce.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake. With its tender meatballs, sliced potatoes, flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy cheese sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy the deliciousness of this irresistible bake!