Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 lb ground beef (or your preferred meat for the meatballs)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the meatballs)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or mozzarella, if preferred)
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the dish)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into about 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Place the slices in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. You should get about 12-16 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 7-8 minutes). The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Arrange a layer of boiled potato slices on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place the cooked meatballs on top of the potatoes.
- If using marinara sauce, drizzle a small amount over the meatballs and potatoes.
- Sprinkle the grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or mozzarella) evenly over the top of the meatballs and potatoes.
4. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve as a main dish with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Tips:
- Cheese variations: Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
This French-inspired Potato, Meatball, and Cheese Bake brings comfort and flavor with its tender potatoes, savory meatballs, and melty cheese. A perfect treat for a cozy meal!