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Introduction: If you're in the mood for a hearty, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than this Cheesy Meatball & Potato Bake. This dish brings together tender potatoes, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal. Whether you're looking for comfort food or a satisfying one-pan wonder, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork (or a mixture)
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and set them aside.
Cook the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe baking dish, arrange the sliced potatoes in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.
Bake the meatballs: While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the meatballs in batches, turning them to brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
Assemble the dish: Once the potatoes are partially cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Layer the meatballs over the potatoes, and then pour the tomato sauce evenly over the meatballs.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs and potatoes.
Bake the whole dish: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fully cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Serving and Storage Tips:
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