Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further than this Cheesy Layered Potatoes and Meatballs Casserole recipe! Packed with layers of tender potatoes, flavorful meatballs, and creamy béchamel sauce, topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is a delightful twist on traditional casseroles. Follow along as we guide you through the simple steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients: To make this Cheesy Layered Potatoes and Meatballs Casserole, you will need:
- 3 potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 white onion
- 1 package of ground beef
- 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley
- 1 pinch of paprika
- 1 large bag of shredded mozzarella
- Bechamel sauce:
- 5 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of milk
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bechamel Sauce: Begin by making a basic béchamel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir until smooth, cooking until it turns a light golden color, about six to seven minutes. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a separate pan until almost boiling. Gradually add the hot milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and nutmeg, then set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into ice cream scoop-sized meatballs, forming approximately 15 meatballs.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the boiled potatoes and slice them into rounds. Arrange one layer of potato slices on the bottom of a round glass baking dish, and another layer around the sides to create a potato base and walls.
- Assemble the Casserole: Place the meatballs on top of the potato slices in the baking dish, spacing them evenly. Use the remaining potato slices to create walls between the meatballs, forming individual compartments. Pour the prepared béchamel sauce into each compartment until relatively full. Top the entire casserole with a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are cooked through.
Conclusion: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. With its layers of tender potatoes, flavorful meatballs, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this Cheesy Layered Potatoes and Meatballs Casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this French-inspired dish, and savor every delicious bite!