Finding recipes that cater to both kids’ and adults’ taste buds can be a culinary challenge. If you’re on the lookout for a dish that promises to please everyone at the table, look no further than this delectable Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese recipe. Combining the hearty flavors of seasoned meatballs, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings, this recipe is as comforting as it is delicious. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs and Potato Layer:
- 3 peeled parboiled Russet potatoes
- 1 diced white onion
- 1 pinch dried paprika
- 1 pinch dried parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Bechamel Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:
Start by crafting the rich bechamel sauce, the creamy base that brings this dish together. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 6 minutes or until the mixture turns a light golden brown. This step is crucial for developing the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Next, warm the milk in a separate pan until it is just shy of boiling. Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, one cup at a time, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth and lump-free sauce. Once all the milk is incorporated, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
2. Assemble the Dish:
While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
In a round casserole dish, arrange the parboiled potato slices to form a base, covering the bottom and the sides of the dish. This not only adds flavor but also creates a lovely crust when baked. Place the meatballs on top of the potato layer, spacing them evenly. Insert additional potato slices between the meatballs to ensure a cohesive dish.
3. Bake to Perfection:
Pour the prepared bechamel sauce over the meatballs and potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The top should be bubbly and slightly crispy, a perfect contrast to the tender meatballs and potatoes below.
Conclusion:
This Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese dish is a true celebration of the heartwarming essence of home-cooked meals, designed to delight palates of all ages. The velvety bechamel sauce, rich with a hint of nutmeg, envelops the succulent meatballs and perfectly parboiled potatoes, crafting a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that promise to bring joy to every bite. Each element of the dish complements the others, creating a mouthwatering experience that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner to warm up a cold evening or a standout dish to impress your guests at your next gathering, this recipe is an excellent choice. When you serve it hot from the oven, with its golden, bubbling top and enticing aroma, it’s impossible not to be drawn to the table. The combination of crispy cheese, tender meatballs, and creamy sauce is sure to captivate everyone’s taste buds, making it a dish that will be remembered and requested time and again. Embrace the rich, hearty flavors of this delightful meal, and let it become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire, a dish that brings family and friends together in shared delight and satisfaction
Source of the picture : recipesneed
