Potato meatball bake

Here’s a cozy, family-style recipe for Potato Meatball Bake — a hearty casserole layered with creamy potatoes, savory meatballs, and melted cheese. 🥔🧀🍖

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🍴 Ingredients (serves 6)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef + half pork)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ small onion, finely diced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional)

For the Potato Layer:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup sour cream)

• ½ cup grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Optional: ½ tsp paprika or a pinch of nutmeg for depth

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or a blend of cheeses

• Chopped parsley for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix gently until combined.

3. Roll into small balls (about 1 inch).

4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

   Tip: You can pan-sear them for extra flavor before baking, if you like.

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2. Prepare the Potatoes

1. While meatballs cook, thinly slice potatoes and onions.

2. Lightly butter or oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Arrange a layer of potatoes and onions on the bottom.

4. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

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3. Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan until warm (do not boil).

2. Stir in shredded cheese and let melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

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4. Assemble the Bake

1. Pour half of the sauce over the first potato layer.

2. Add the cooked meatballs evenly over the potatoes.

3. Add another layer of potatoes on top.

4. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over everything.

5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

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5. Bake

• Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until potatoes are tender.

• Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes to brown the top and melt the cheese.

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6. Serve

• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan.

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💡 Tips

• Shortcut: Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs to save time.

• Add veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a complete meal.

• Extra creamy: Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the sauce.

• Make ahead: Assemble the bake a day early, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

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🥘 Potato Meatball Bake is the ultimate comfort dish — creamy potatoes, cheesy sauce, and juicy meatballs baked together into bubbling perfection.

Would you like me to give you a Swedish-style version (with a creamy gravy instead of cheese)?