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
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Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef (80/20)
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1 small onion, finely chopped (or 1 tsp onion powder)
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2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp jarred)
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¼ cup parsley (fresh; basil/chives ok)
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½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika
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1 egg (or 1 flax egg)
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⅓ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
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Potatoes & Cheese:
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2–3 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), sliced ¼” thick
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella (low-moisture for best melt)
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Sauce & Oil:
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1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or spiced up!)
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1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
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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