Introduction
This Cheesy Baked Potato & Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Juicy seasoned meatballs are nestled between tender potato slices, then baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted golden cheese. It’s simple, filling, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
500g ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
For the Casserole:
3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, and spices until well combined.
Form medium-sized meatballs.
Lightly grease a round baking dish with olive oil.
Arrange sliced potatoes and meatballs alternately in a circular pattern.
In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs and potatoes.
Cover with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
How to Make (Step-by-Step Tips)
Use evenly sliced potatoes for uniform cooking.
Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Make sure sauce reaches the bottom of the dish to keep potatoes moist.
Bake covered first to soften the potatoes properly.
Variations
Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini between layers.
Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
Add a layer of béchamel sauce for extra creaminess.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese with mozzarella for deeper flavor.
Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
Tips
If potatoes are thick, parboil them for 5 minutes before baking.
Use fresh mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
Let the casserole rest before slicing to hold its shape.
Serve with fresh salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 420–480 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 22g
Calcium: High (from cheese)
Iron: Good source (from beef)
Healthy Benefits
Rich in protein for muscle growth and repair.
Potatoes provide potassium and energy-boosting carbohydrates.
Tomato sauce contains antioxidants like lycopene.
Cheese provides calcium for strong bones.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Potato & Meatball Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. Crispy golden cheese on top, tender potatoes, and juicy meatballs make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
