Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potato Layer:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley or basil
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the sliced potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the seasoned potatoes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Arrange the browned meatballs over the potato layer.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, mozzarella, Parmesan, and dried parsley. Pour the mixture evenly over the meatballs and potatoes.
4. Add the Cheese Topping:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy comfort food!
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings! 😊