Description
Cheesy Meatball Potato Bake is a hearty, family-friendly casserole with juicy meatballs, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
1 large egg
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp chopped parsley
1 tsp chopped basil
1 tsp oregano
Splash of lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
5 medium Yukon gold potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp chopped basil
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix ground beef, diced onion, egg, panko, parsley, basil, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 22) and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside.
- Make the cream sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until lightly golden. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Layer the bottom of a greased casserole dish with sliced potatoes, then arrange meatballs on top, fitting them snugly around the edges. Spoon tomato sauce over meatballs, sprinkle with chopped herbs, and pour cream sauce over everything. Top with freshly grated mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes until potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt.
Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Freeze unbaked casserole (without cheese) for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 22g