A comforting, family-style meal that combines layers of soft potatoes, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese in a creamy sauce. It’s hearty, simple, and absolutely delicious — the kind of meal that disappears fast from the table!
🍽️ Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For the Potato Layer:
5–6 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled until just tender
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk (warm)
½ cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
½ cup grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
Salt and nutmeg to taste
For Topping:
1–1½ cups shredded cheese
A sprinkle of paprika or oregano (optional)
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.
- Shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t have to cook through — just get a nice crust.
- Cook and Slice the Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender but not falling apart (about 10–12 minutes).
- Let them cool slightly, then slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Season with a bit of salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil or butter.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually add the warm milk while whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cream, cheese, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish lightly.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Add the browned meatballs evenly over the top.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs.
- Arrange the remaining potato slices on top, then sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Finish with a dash of paprika or oregano for color.
- Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple yogurt-garlic dip. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekend meals.
💡 Tips & Variations
Substitute chicken or turkey for the beef to make it lighter.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the layers for extra flavor.
Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs for a quicker version — just thaw and brown them first.
❤️ Why You’ll Love ItThis dish combines the heartiness of meatballs, the comfort of baked potatoes, and the indulgence of melted cheese in one satisfying bite. Each layer is creamy, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — a true comfort food classic.
