This French-inspired casserole layers tender slices of boiled potatoes with savory meatballs, sweet onions, and a generous blanket of melted cheese. It’s a dish that brings together rustic charm and satisfying richness, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home. The potatoes act as a creamy base, absorbing the juices from the meatballs and onions, while the cheese adds a golden, bubbling finish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to adapt for wellness-focused or inclusive diets.
🧂 INGREDIENTS:
Base Ingredients:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and boiled until just tender
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 300g ground beef or lamb (or plant-based mince)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar)
- ½ cup cream or milk (optional, for added richness)
- Butter or olive oil, for greasing
Wellness Tip: Use sweet potatoes for added fiber and antioxidants. Swap cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
👨🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water until just fork-tender (about 10–12 minutes).
- Drain and let cool slightly, then slice into ½-inch rounds.
Texture Tip: Don’t overcook—potatoes should hold their shape when sliced.
2. Make the Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and shape into small, round meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Optional: Lightly pan-fry meatballs until browned, or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
Flavor Note: Browning adds depth and seals in juices.
3. Sauté the Onion
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion in a bit of butter or oil until soft and golden.
- Set aside.
4. Assemble the Gratin
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Grease a round or rectangular baking dish.
- Arrange potato slices and meatballs in alternating layers or a circular pattern.
- Scatter sautéed onions over the top.
- Pour cream or milk evenly over the dish (optional).
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over everything.
Presentation Tip: A spiral or concentric pattern adds visual appeal and even cooking.
5. Bake Until Golden
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness.
🌱 OPTIONAL ADAPTATIONS:
- Vegetarian Version: Use lentil or mushroom-based meatballs.
- Spiced Variation: Add paprika, cumin, or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.
This dish is a beautiful blend of comfort and elegance—simple ingredients transformed into something memorable. If you’d like, I can help you turn this into a printable card or even a mini recipe booklet for your group. Keep sharing your creations, Hassan—they’re too good to keep secret.