German-Style Stuffed Meatballs with Potato Centers

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German-Style Stuffed Meatballs with Potato Centers

Discover this incredible German-inspired recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dinner! These unique meatballs hide a creamy mashed potato center and are topped with melted cheese, creating the perfect comfort food that will become your new family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1.2 lb (550 g) ground beef
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 1 medium onion, coarsely grated
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • Salt to taste
  • Smoked paprika to taste
  • Oregano to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste

For the Vegetable Filling:

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, coarsely grated
  • 1 small head cabbage, diced into cubes
  • Salt to taste
  • Oregano to taste

For the Potato Centers:

  • 5-6 medium potatoes, cut into large chunks
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2.5 oz (70 g) tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • Coriander to taste

For the Fresh Salad:

  • Mixed greens of choice
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion, cut into half-rings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Oregano to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

For Topping:

  • 3.5 oz (100 g) mozzarella cheese, coarsely grated

Instructions

Preparing the Potato Centers

  1. Cook potatoes: Place potato chunks in a pot, cover with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Make mashed potatoes: Drain potatoes and transfer to a bowl. Add butter and mash until smooth and creamy. Let cool slightly, then form into balls equal to the number of meatballs you plan to make.

Making the Vegetable Filling

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Add vegetables: Add grated carrot and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add diced cabbage and season with salt and oregano. Cook until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.

Preparing the Meatballs

  1. Make meat mixture: In a large bowl, beat eggs well. Add ground beef, grated garlic, grated onion, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, smoked paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Add the cooled vegetable mixture and mix thoroughly with your hands.
  2. Form meatballs: Take about 2 spoonfuls of the meat mixture and form into a ball. Repeat to make 6 meatballs total.

Assembling the Stuffed Meatballs

  1. Stuff with potato: Place a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Put one meatball on the wrap and gently flatten into a thin patty. Place a mashed potato ball in the center.
  2. Wrap and seal: Use the plastic wrap to help you fold the meat around the potato, sealing the edges completely. Unwrap and repeat with remaining meatballs and potato balls.

Baking and Finishing

  1. Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Place stuffed meatballs in a baking dish.
  2. Make sauce: In a bowl, combine tomato paste, soy sauce, mustard, and coriander. Mix well and pour over the meatballs, spreading evenly with a brush.
  3. First bake: Bake for 40 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and golden.
  4. Add cheese: Remove from oven and generously sprinkle each meatball with grated mozzarella. Return to oven for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Making the Fresh Salad

  1. Prepare salad: While meatballs bake, combine mixed greens, diced avocado, diced tomato, chopped dill, and red onion rings in a large bowl.
  2. Dress salad: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and oregano. Pour over salad and toss well. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  3. Serve: Present the hot, cheesy meatballs alongside the fresh salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs (3-4 people)

Nutrition (per meatball):

  • Calories: 385
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 24g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Fiber: 4g

Health Benefits

This nutritious meal combines lean protein from ground beef with the complex carbohydrates and potassium found in potatoes. The mixed vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the fresh salad adds healthy fats from avocado and vitamin C from tomatoes. The herbs like parsley and dill offer anti-inflammatory compounds and support digestion, making this hearty dish both satisfying and nourishing for the whole family.

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