There's something so satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm, comforting meal. You know the kind: a dish that wraps you in its aroma and fills your heart with a sense of home. For me, nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty plate of meatballs with potatoes and cheese. It's a simple combination of ingredients, but the results are nothing short of magical. The fluffy, tender meatballs, bathed in a rich and creamy sauce, are the perfect foil to the soft, buttery potatoes. And then there's the cheese! A generous sprinkling of melted goodness that adds a touch of decadence and brings everything together in perfect harmony.
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, always disappearing in a flash, leaving everyone with happy sighs and contented smiles. It's the kind of recipe you can whip up on a weeknight or for a special occasion, always delivering delicious results. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make! So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let's get cooking!
The Best Meatball Recipe with Potatoes and Cheese
INGREDIENTS
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef (you can use a mix of beef and pork if you prefer)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Potatoes:
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined. Don't overmix! Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Cook the Potatoes: While the sauce is simmering, cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and add them back to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
5. Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Serve the meatballs with potatoes and cheese immediately. Enjoy!
This recipe is a true gem. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, the sauce is rich and creamy, the potatoes are perfectly soft and buttery, and the cheese is melted to perfection. It's a dish that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Here are a few tips for making the best meatballs with potatoes and cheese:
Don't overmix the meatballs: Overmixing will result in tough meatballs.
Brown the meatballs before adding them to the sauce: This will help to give them a crispy exterior.
Use good quality beef broth: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
Don't overcook the potatoes: They should be tender but not mushy.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives: This will add a touch of freshness to the dish.
And remember, you can always get creative with your toppings. Add some chopped bacon, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try. I know you'll love it as much as I do. Enjoy!