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Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese Casserole

A comforting, hearty weeknight dinner that combines tender, seasoned ground beef meatballs with par-boiled potato slices, all baked together in a classic, smooth béchamel sauce and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Meatballs and Potatoes
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform slices
  • 1.6 lbs (750g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium white onion, very finely chopped
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Béchamel Sauce
  • 5 tsp (75g) butter
  • 4 tbsp (48g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups (1 liter) milk, warmed
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a deep saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for 6 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a golden roux.
  2. Bring the milk to a boil in a separate pot, then slowly pour it into the roux mixture while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in the salt and nutmeg, and set aside.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato slices and boil for about 7 minutes until they are slightly softened but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped white onion, fresh parsley, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Shape into round meatballs.
  6. Arrange a single layer of potato slices at the bottom of a round baking dish. Place the meatballs over the potatoes, and use the remaining potato slices to separate the meatballs vertically.
  7. Pour the warm béchamel sauce into each compartment until full, then top the entire dish with the shredded mozzarella.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

  • No-Lump Béchamel: Warming the milk before adding it to the roux is the easiest way to prevent clumping.
  • Firm Meatballs: Squeeze out any excess water from the chopped onions before mixing them into the beef so the meatballs don't get soggy or break apart.
  • Cheese Upgrade: You can mix a little bit of sharp cheddar or Parmesan with the mozzarella to give the topping more color and flavor.