Indulge in Comfort with Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than our Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake! This hearty and satisfying dish combines juicy meatballs, tender potatoes, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese sauce into a mouthwatering bake that’s sure to become a family favorite. With layers of flavor and a cheesy crust topping, each bite is a delicious symphony of tastes and textures. So let’s dive into the kitchen and create this irresistible masterpiece together!

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:

For the Meatballs:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, egg, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped basil, oregano, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced in the greased baking dish.
Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside.

For the Potato Bake:

Layer the Potatoes: Arrange the sliced Yukon gold potatoes in an even layer over the cooked meatballs in the baking dish.
Add the Tomato Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.
Sprinkle with Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped parsley and basil over the tomato sauce layer.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish, covering the potatoes and sauce.

For the Cream Sauce:

Prepare the Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until a paste forms, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Assembly:

Pour the Cream Sauce: Pour the prepared cream sauce over the layered meatballs, potatoes, and cheese, ensuring it covers the entire dish evenly.
Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Remove the Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired, and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

Customize the Meatballs: Feel free to customize the meatballs by adding your favorite herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
Vegetarian Option: Make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the ground beef with meatless meatballs or cooked lentils.
Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding layers of thinly sliced vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers between the potatoes and meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for the meatballs? A: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Q: Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought tomato sauce to save time and effort in the kitchen.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese for the topping? A: Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Option: To make a keto-friendly version of this dish, omit the flour in the cream sauce and use a low-carb tomato sauce. Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a lower-carb alternative.
Low-Carb Variation: Similarly, reduce the number of potatoes or substitute them with sliced zucchini or eggplant to lower the carbohydrate content of the dish.

In conclusion, Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings. With its layers of tender meatballs, creamy potatoes, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a meal that’s sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds