Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful fusion of flavors in this Cheesy Meatball and Potato Casserole. Combining the heartiness of meatballs, the creaminess of béchamel sauce, and the comforting texture of sliced potatoes, this French-inspired dish is a showstopper that the whole family will love. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create this savory and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Dish:
- 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
- Béchamel sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of milk
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
Instructions:
Preparing the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add all-purpose flour and stir until smooth. Cook until the mixture turns a light golden color (about 6-7 minutes).
- In a separate pan, heat the milk until it’s almost at a boil.
- Gradually add the hot milk, one cup at a time, 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. Set aside the béchamel sauce.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Peel and boil three potatoes until semi-soft (about 7 minutes). Slice them into rounds.
- Arrange one layer of potato slices flat on the bottom of a round glass baking dish. Arrange another layer around the sides.
- Form meatballs, about the size of an ice cream scoop, and place them on the potato slices.
- 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.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Once done, you’ll have a deliciously cheesy and creamy French casserole-style dish ready to be enjoyed!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Cheesy Meatball and Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the richness of meatballs, the creaminess of béchamel sauce, and the hearty texture of sliced potatoes. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Follow the instructions, savor the layers of goodness, and enjoy a delightful French-inspired meal!