Indulge in a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender potatoes, savory meatballs stuffed with melting cheese, and crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 500 g ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 25 g fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 100 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 slice of bread, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 150 g cheese, cut into cubes (cheddar or mozzarella)
For the Potatoes:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and sliced
- Salt to taste
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
Also Needed:
- Flour, for coating
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped shallot, chopped parsley, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and crumbled bread.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand.
- Place a cube of cheese in the center.
- Wrap the meat around the cheese, forming a ball that completely encloses the cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
- Coat the Meatballs:
- Roll each meatball in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured meatball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Fry the Meatballs:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, frying until they are browned on all sides.
- Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Slice the peeled potatoes evenly.
- Season the potato slices with a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Arrange the potato slices evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Place the browned meatballs on top of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the meatballs and potatoes.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
This Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese dish is a delightful meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. The combination of cheesy meatballs, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. It’s an ideal recipe for those looking to enjoy a hearty homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and fulfilling dinner