The Culinary Journey of a Classic Recipe
This delightful recipe brings together the rustic charm of French countryside cooking with a modern twist. Combining tender potatoes, mixed ground meats, and a creamy cheese topping, these meatballs are perfect for special occasions and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Potato Base
- Potatoes: 21 oz (600g)
- US: 21 oz
- Metric: 600g
- Carrot: 1 medium
- US: 1 medium
- Metric: 100g
- Red Pepper: 1 fresh
- US: 1 medium
- Metric: 150g
- Eggs: 2 large
- US: 2 large eggs
- Metric: 100g
- Olive Oil: As needed
- Salt: 1 tsp
- US: 1 tsp
- Metric: 5g
Meat Mixture
- Ground Meat (Pork and Chicken): 16 oz (450g)
- US: 16 oz
- Metric: 450g
- Onion: 1/2 medium
- US: 1/2 medium
- Metric: 75g
- Garlic: 1 clove
- US: 1 clove
- Metric: 5g
- Cream: 2 tbsp
- Breadcrumbs: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper: To taste
Sauce and Topping
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
- Dried Tomatoes: 1 tsp
- Sweet Paprika: 1 tsp
- Butter: 1 oz (30g)
- Milk: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Cheese: 4 oz (115g)
- US: 4 oz
- Metric: 115g
- Breadcrumbs: 2 tbsp
- Flour: 2 tbsp
- Yogurt: 2 tbsp
Herbs
- Fresh Dill
- Fresh Parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Potato Preparation
- Boil potatoes and carrot until tender
- Mash or grate when cooled
- Meat Mixture
- Combine ground meats
- Add onion, garlic, cream
- Mix with half beaten egg
- Season with salt and pepper
- Add breadcrumbs
- Let sit 10 minutes
- Sauce Preparation
- Mix tomato paste, dried tomatoes
- Add paprika, water
- Create a smooth sauce
- Meatball Assembly
- Form meat mixture into balls
- Create potato coating
- Roll meatballs in potato mixture
- Cheese Topping
- Mix cheese, breadcrumbs, flour
- Prepare milk and butter mixture
- Create creamy cheese sauce
- Baking
- Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C)
- Place meatballs in baking dish
- Top with cheese mixture
- Bake 35 minutes
- Finishing
- Garnish with fresh herbs
- Serve hot
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Oven Temperature: 360°F (180°C)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 22-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Fiber: 3-4g
Expert Cooking Tips
- Use mix of meats for deeper flavor
- Don’t overwork meat mixture
- Ensure even potato coating
- Let meatballs rest 5 minutes after baking
Variations and Substitutions
- Use all chicken or all pork
- Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour
- Add herbs to meat mixture
- Use different cheese varieties
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead? Prepare and refrigerate before baking
- Freezing options? Freeze unbaked for up to 1 month
- Gluten-free adaptation? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Can I use different vegetables? Try sweet potato or parsnip
- Vegetarian alternative? Use plant-based ground meat
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate 3-4 days
- Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes
- Best consumed fresh
Serve with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Bon appétit! 🍽️
