If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make, look no further than this Cheesy Spinach, Meatball & Potato Bake. This dish combines tender meatballs, creamy potatoes, and fresh spinach in a cheesy, savory sauce that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 3 cups cubed potatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the potatoes to the skillet and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meatballs, spinach, potatoes, mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
This Cheesy Spinach, Meatball & Potato Bake is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. The leftovers also reheat well, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners. Give it a try and see why it’s a favorite among meatball lovers!
tips for making Cheesy Spinach, Meatball & Potato Bake:
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix until everything is just combined.
- Use fresh baby spinach: Fresh spinach is tender and has a better flavor than frozen spinach. If you have to use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
- Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces: This will help ensure that they cook evenly.
- Use a baking dish that’s the right size: You want to use a dish that’s large enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a messy oven.
- Let the dish cool before serving: The cheesy sauce will be very hot when it comes out of the oven. Letting it cool for a few minutes before serving will make it easier to eat and prevent any burnt tongues.
Overall, this Cheesy Spinach, Meatball & Potato Bake is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of year. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.