If you’re looking for a hearty and healthy meal, this ground beef and potato recipe is perfect for you. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and will surely be a hit with your family. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that you won’t be able to stop cooking.
Ingredients:
- 800g potatoes
- 500g ground beef
- Fine herbs to taste
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Paprika to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Parsley to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- 1 onion, halved and cut into medium pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 100ml tomato extract
- 100ml water
- 150g mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Begin by peeling and cutting 800g of potatoes into medium-sized pieces.
- Place the potatoes in a pot, add water to cover, and cook until they are soft. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of ground beef with fine herbs, salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 chopped onion, 1 egg, and 4 tablespoons of wheat flour.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients well.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and parsley to taste, then mix again.
- Shape the Meatballs:
- Take a portion of the ground beef mixture and shape it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly.
- Place a cooked potato piece in the center of the flattened meatball and wrap the meat around the potato to form a stuffed meatball. Repeat this process until all the meat and potatoes are used.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Lightly grease a baking pan with olive oil.
- Place the meatballs in the pan and arrange any remaining potatoes around them.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the meatballs and potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Prepare the Bell Pepper and Onion Mixture:
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the vegetable mixture.
- In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the pan. Stir and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste. Stir to combine.
- Pour in 100ml of tomato extract and 100ml of water. Mix well.
- Cover the pan and let it cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Finish Baking:
- After the meatballs have baked for 40 minutes, remove them from the oven.
- Coat each meatball with the prepared bell pepper and onion mixture.
- Sprinkle 150g of mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs and vegetables.
- Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the baking pan from the oven.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with a bit of extra parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Potato Recipe:
- Uniform Meatballs: Ensure that the meatballs are of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Feel free to add other spices or herbs that you like.
- Cheese: Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting quality. You can also try different cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for a variation in flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the bell pepper and onion mixture, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value.
Detailed Steps:
- Preparing the Ingredients:
- Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping the onions, mincing the garlic, and dicing the bell peppers.
- Cooking the Potatoes:
- Cook the potatoes until they are soft but not mushy. This ensures they hold their shape inside the meatballs.
- Mixing and Shaping:
- Thoroughly mix the ground beef and seasonings. The addition of the egg and flour helps bind the mixture together.
- Carefully shape the meatballs around the cooked potatoes to ensure they are well-formed.
- Baking and Final Cooking:
- Bake the meatballs until they are cooked through.
- Prepare the vegetable mixture and coat the meatballs before the final baking stage.
This ground beef and potato recipe is a delicious, hearty meal that is sure to satisfy. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a flavorful vegetable topping, all finished with melted mozzarella, makes for a truly mouth-watering dish. Enjoy!
