When time is of the essence but you still want to impress your guests with a delicious meal, this Meatball and Potato Casserole is the perfect solution. With tender potatoes, savory meatballs, sautéed vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s a dish that feels luxurious yet can be prepared quickly. In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can assemble a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 7–8 potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 50 g (1.8 oz) bread
- 200 ml (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) milk
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- Provencal herbs, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- 1 egg
- Chili pepper (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Dill and parsley, chopped, to taste
- 150 g (5.3 oz) spinach
- 50 g (3.5 tbsp) butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 150 g (5.3 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- 30 g (2 tbsp) flour
- 250 g (1 cup) cream
- 100 g (3.5 oz) cheese (grated, cheddar or any hard cheese)
- 50 g (1.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
- Dried ginger (optional, a pinch)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel 7–8 medium-sized potatoes and boil them in salted water until they are tender but not falling apart, about 10–12 minutes. Once boiled, drain and let cool slightly before slicing into thick rounds. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatballs
While the potatoes are boiling, begin preparing the meatball mixture. Soak 50 g of bread in 200 ml of milk for a few minutes until soft. In a large bowl, combine the soaked bread with 500 g minced meat, 1 egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, chopped dill and parsley, and season generously with Provencal herbs, salt, sweet paprika, and a pinch of chili pepper (if desired).
Mix everything thoroughly until well-combined. Form small meatballs from the mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Set aside while preparing the vegetables.
3. Cook the Vegetables
In a large pan, melt 50 g of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and golden, about 3–4 minutes. Add the 150 g mushrooms and cook until browned, then stir in 150 g spinach and cook until wilted, which should take another 2 minutes.
4. Prepare the Cream Sauce
With the vegetables still in the pan, sprinkle 30 g flour over the mixture and stir continuously until the flour is fully incorporated into the butter and vegetable mixture, forming a roux. Slowly pour in 250 g cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Season the sauce with salt, sweet paprika, and a pinch of dried ginger (optional) to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, arrange the boiled potato slices in a circular pattern, leaving space between each slice. Place the prepared meatballs in the gaps between the potato rounds.
Next, pour the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce over the potatoes and meatballs, ensuring that everything is well-covered by the sauce. Sprinkle the top with 100 g of grated cheese and 50 g mozzarella for that perfect cheesy finish.
6. Bake
Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The meatballs should be cooked through, and the potatoes should be tender.
Serving Suggestions:
Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs perfectly with a light green salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra treat, serve with black tea or a glass of crisp white wine to complement the richness of the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Final Thoughts:
This Meatball and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, prepared in just 15 minutes of active cooking time. The combination of creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and soft potatoes creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a quick yet satisfying family meal, this dish will surely become a go-to recipe.
