Potato and Meatball Casserole / Bake.

This comforting, visually stunning casserole features seasoned ground meat meatballs nestled side-by-side with crisp-tender potato slices in a round baking dish. Baked to bubbly perfection and blanketed under a rich layer of melted cheese, it brings together hearty textures and savory flavors in an effortless, crowd-pleasing one-pan meal.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Meat: 1 lb ground beef or a beef-and-lamb mix

• Onion: 1 small onion (finely minced or grated)

• Breadcrumbs: $1/3$ cup

• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)

• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped)

• Spices: 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste

For the Potatoes & Assembly:

• Potatoes: 3–4 medium-sized potatoes (peeled and sliced into even, thin-to-medium rounds)

• Cheese: 1.5 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella or a melting cheese blend (like cheddar or gouda)

• Cooking Oil or Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (to drizzle over the potatoes)

For the Sauce (Baking Liquid):

• Tomato Sauce or Broth: 1 cup tomato passata/marinara sauce mixed with $1/2$ cup water (or vegetable/beef broth)

• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, minced onion, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and spices.

2. Mix thoroughly until well combined, then shape the mixture into even, bite-sized meatballs.

2. Arrange in the Baking Dish

1. Lightly grease a round glass or ceramic baking dish.

2. Peel and slice the potatoes into uniform rounds.

3. Arrange the dish by alternating a meatball and a slice of potato in a circular pattern, tucking them snugly against one another around the dish until the center is filled, just like in the photo.

3. Add Sauce and Bake

1. Whisk together your tomato sauce (or broth), water, and seasonings, then pour or spoon the liquid evenly over the arranged meatballs and potatoes.

2. Drizzle a little oil or melted butter over the potato slices so they turn golden and crisp while baking.

3. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 35–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Add Cheese and Finish

1. Remove the foil from the baking dish.

2. Generously cover the top with your shredded mozzarella cheese.

3. Return to the oven uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top.