Cheesy baked meatball and potato casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender meatballs, soft slices of potato, and a rich layer of melted cheese. This recipe is visually appealing and deeply satisfying, offering a balance of savory flavors and creamy textures. The meatballs are seasoned with herbs and spices, nestled between slices of potato, and baked until everything melds together into a golden, bubbling casserole. The addition of cheese creates a luscious topping that enhances both flavor and presentation. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Each forkful delivers a combination of juicy meat, tender potato, and gooey cheese, making it a true comfort food classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 4–5 medium potatoes, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced or pureed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined. Shape into small, uniform meatballs.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and slice the potatoes into thick rounds. Lightly season with salt and drizzle with olive oil.
- Arrange the dish: In a greased baking dish, alternate layers of potato slices and meatballs, nestling the meatballs between the potato rounds. Add sliced or pureed tomatoes over the top for moisture and flavor.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings:
This recipe serves 6 people, making it ideal for family meals or small gatherings.
Note:
Cheesy baked meatball and potato casserole is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still bubbling and the potatoes are tender. The combination of meat, potatoes, and cheese makes it a complete meal, though it can be paired with a simple salad or bread for balance. The dish can be customized easily—swap mozzarella for cheddar, add chili flakes for spice, or incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
The key to success lies in layering the ingredients properly so that the flavors meld together during baking. The tomatoes provide moisture, preventing the potatoes from drying out, while the cheese creates a rich, indulgent topping. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven, though the dish is at its best when freshly baked.
This recipe highlights the beauty of simple, wholesome cooking: combining everyday ingredients into a dish that feels both comforting and celebratory. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors—juicy meatballs, soft potatoes, and gooey cheese—that make it a crowd-pleaser. Cheesy baked meatball and potato casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that brings warmth, tradition, and joy to the table.