Of course! This dish is the epitome of comfort food. Think of it as a deconstructed, saucy meatball sub meets cheesy potato casserole. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Here are two fantastic versions: a One-Pan Skillet Bake and a Layered Casserole.
Version 1: One-Pan Skillet Meatballs & Potatoes
This is the quicker, easier method with minimal cleanup, cooked entirely in an oven-safe skillet.
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
· 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
· ¼ cup breadcrumbs
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 large egg
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp dried oregano
· ½ tsp salt
· ¼ tsp black pepper
· 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
For the Potatoes & Sauce:
· 1.5 lbs (700g) Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 small onion, chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
· ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning
· 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
· ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
· Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prep & Brown Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients (except the olive oil). Mix gently and form into 1-inch meatballs. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through). Remove and set aside.
- Cook Potatoes & Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the cubed potatoes and chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the potatoes have started to get a golden edge. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and broth. Add the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Top with Cheese: Gently nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet, submerging them partially in the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5-10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Version 2: Layered Potato & Meatball Casserole
This is the ultimate make-ahead, feed-a-crowd dish. It’s like a lasagna, but with potato slices instead of pasta.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients
· 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (⅛-inch thick)
· 1 lb (450g) ground beef
· (Or use 24-30 pre-cooked, frozen meatballs, thawed – a great shortcut!)
· 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
· 1 small onion, finely chopped
· 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
· 1 cup ricotta cheese
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 egg
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Fillings:
· If making meatballs: Follow the meatball recipe from Version 1, browning them in a skillet until cooked through.
· If using pre-cooked meatballs: Simply slice them in half.
· In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Create the Layers:
· Layer 1: Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange a single, slightly overlapping layer of half the potato slices.
· Layer 2: Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the chopped onion. Arrange half of the meatballs over the top. Spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce over everything.
· Layer 3: Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ricotta mixture, onion, and meatballs. Finish with the last of the marinara sauce. - Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Brown: Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a knife.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set.
Tips for Success
· Potato Choice: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well in the skillet. Russet potatoes are starchy and perfect for the layered casserole as they soften beautifully.
· Shortcuts: Don’t hesitate to use frozen, pre-cooked meatballs and your favorite store-bought marinara to save time.
· Cheesy Variations: Feel free to swap the mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend.
· Creamy Twist: For the casserole, you can substitute the marinara with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
· Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting either dish rest for a few minutes after baking is crucial for the sauce to thicken and for easier serving.
Enjoy this incredibly satisfying and cheesy meal