Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese

🧀🥔 Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese (One-Pan Bake)

Serves

4–6

Oven

400°F (205°C)

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🛒 Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

• ¼ cup milk

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but great)

Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled or scrubbed, cut into chunks

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• 1 tsp paprika or garlic powder

Cheese Topping

• 1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup cheddar or more Parmesan

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.

2. Make the meatballs
   In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined.
   Roll into golf-ball-size meatballs.

3. Season the potatoes
   Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Assemble
   Spread potatoes in the baking dish. Nestle meatballs evenly on top.

5. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring potatoes once halfway.

6. Add cheese
   Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over everything.

7. Return to oven for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly browned and meatballs are cooked through.

8. Rest 5 minutes, then serve.

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⭐ Optional Add-Ins & Variations

• Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the potatoes

• Stir in marinara sauce before adding cheese for Italian vibes

• Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken

• Add red pepper flakes for heat

• Finish with fresh parsley or basil

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❓ Q&A

Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Bake potatoes first for 15 minutes, then add frozen meatballs and continue.

What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold (creamy) or Russet (crispy edges).

How do I know the meatballs are done?
Internal temp should hit 160°F (71°C).

Can I make it ahead?
Assemble without cheese, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add cheese before baking.

Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes — brown meatballs, pan-fry potatoes until tender, then add cheese and cover to melt.

What to serve with it?
Simple salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.