Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter.
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since they will finish cooking in the oven. Set the meatballs aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Add half of the shredded cheese over the potatoes.
- Place the browned meatballs on top of the cheese layer. Then, cover the meatballs with the remaining potato slices.
- Add the Cream:
- Pour the heavy cream (or milk) evenly over the potatoes and meatballs. Top everything with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust on top.
- Serve:
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Tips:
- Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy version, you can add a béchamel sauce or more cream before baking.
- Customize Your Meatballs: You can add different herbs and spices to the meatballs, like Italian seasoning or cumin, depending on your preference.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like sliced carrots or zucchini in the potato layers for added nutrition.
This Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese casserole is comforting, cheesy, and perfect for a family dinner! Enjoy!