Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate or tray. This will yield about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes

While the meatballs are browning, peel and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer to ensure even thickness if you have one. Toss the potato slices with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, making sure they’re well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble the casserole! In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, begin by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Top the potatoes with half of the meatballs, then pour half of the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, creating layers of flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Perfecting This Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole:

• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they are starchy and will break down slightly during baking, creating a creamy texture that complements the meatballs. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture.
• Layer for Even Cooking: Be sure to layer the ingredients evenly in the casserole dish so that the potatoes cook uniformly. You don’t want any undercooked spots, especially with the potatoes.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole. Simply sauté the veggies and layer them with the potatoes and meatballs for extra flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe:

This Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—it’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with everything you need for a satisfying meal. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory meatballs, and gooey cheese makes for a dish that’s impossible to resist. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a family gathering or holiday feast.

What makes this casserole extra special is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your dietary needs or preferences, swap in different proteins, or play around with the flavors. Whether you keep it simple with just meatballs and potatoes or get creative with extra veggies and spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

So, if you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please everyone, give this Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole a try. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that you’ll be glad to have on repeat!