This Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole is a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. It combines tender meatballs made from ground beef and crispy baked potatoes, all covered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This simple yet satisfying dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. The combination of seasoned potatoes and juicy meatballs is enhanced with a savory sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner or something comforting to serve on the weekend, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
Ground beef: 350 grams
Egg: 1
Breadcrumbs: 1 tea glass (approximately 50g)
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
Onion: 1 large, grated
For the Potatoes:
Potatoes: 6 medium-sized, peeled and sliced
Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
For the Sauce:
Water: 1 cup (250 ml)
Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon (preferably pepper paste for extra flavor)
Olive oil: 1/2 tea glass (about 60 ml)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 350 grams of ground beef, 1 egg, 1 tea glass of breadcrumbs, 1 grated onion, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Knead the mixture for a few minutes to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Shape the meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into meatballs, about the size of a walnut. Set them aside on a plate while you prepare the potatoes.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Slice the potatoes: Peel and slice the 6 medium-sized potatoes into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. The slices should be thin enough to cook evenly in the oven but thick enough to hold their shape.
Season the potatoes: Place the potato slices in a large mixing bowl and toss them with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Ensure that the potato slices are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the potatoes: Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil. Arrange the seasoned potato slices at the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer.
Add the meatballs: Place the prepared meatballs on top of the potato layer, spreading them out so that they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of pepper or tomato paste, and 1/2 tea glass of olive oil. Stir until the paste is fully dissolved, creating a smooth sauce.
Pour the sauce over the casserole: Carefully pour the sauce over the meatballs and potatoes, making sure that the entire dish is covered. The sauce will help cook the potatoes and meatballs while adding flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked. The top should be slightly golden and crisp.
Step 6: Serve
