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Cheesy Meatball & Potato Bake

Cheesy Meatball & Potato Bake


  • Author: Harper Callahan
  • Total Time: 46 minute

Description

This cheesy casserole of juicy meatballs nestled among golden potato slices, all bathed in tangy marinara and topped with a bubbly cheese crust, is pure cozy dinner heaven. Made with everyday ingredients and zero fuss, it’s the perfect family-style dish—or just you, your fork, and that gooey cheese pull everyone swoons over. Ready to wrap your kitchen in warmth and flavor? Let’s dive in!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Meatballs:

    • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

    • 1 small onion, finely chopped (or 1 tsp onion powder)

    • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp jarred)

    • ¼ cup parsley (fresh; basil/chives ok)

    • ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika

    • 1 egg (or 1 flax egg)

    • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

  • Potatoes & Cheese:

    • 23 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), sliced ¼” thick

    • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (low-moisture for best melt)

  • Sauce & Oil:

    • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or spiced up!)

    • 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)


Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Make Meatballs:
Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix gently. Form 1.5″ meatballs—wetting your hands helps. No overmixing!

3. Arrange Potatoes & Meatballs:
Stand potato slices upright around dish edge, alternating with meatballs inside. Pack snug!

4. First Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until meatballs are lightly browned and potatoes softened.

5. Add Sauce & Cheese:
Remove dish, pour marinara over the meatballs and potatoes, then generously top with mozzarella.

6. Cheese Melt & Brown:
Return to oven for another 15–20 minutes, until cheese bubbles and browns beautifully. Tent with foil if needed.

7. Rest & Serve:
Let it rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot—cheese strings encouraged!

Notes

Version Swap-In
Italian Fiesta Add ¼ cup parmesan to meatballs + use spicy arrabbiata sauce
Greek Vibes Mix ½ tsp oregano into meatballs + top with feta & olives
Low-Carb Replace potatoes with cauliflower steaks
Breakfast Bake Use cheddar-topped sausage meatballs + serve with eggs
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420 kcal per serving
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Protein: 24 g