A Hearty Meal That Brings Everyone to the Table
Picture a dish that combines the ultimate comfort foods – tender meatballs, creamy mushroom sauce, perfectly cooked potatoes, and melted cheese – all baked into one irresistible casserole. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
Why This Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite Dinner
Imagine a single dish that satisfies every craving: the richness of beef meatballs, the earthiness of mushroom sauce, the comfort of potatoes, and the indulgence of melted cheese. It’s a complete meal that’s both impressive enough for guests and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients List
Meatball Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1.3 lbs (600 g)
- Egg: 1 large
- Bread Slices: 2
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Onion: 1 medium (grated)
- Garlic Cloves: 2 (grated)
- Fresh Parsley: 1 bunch (chopped)
- Seasonings:
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Smoked Paprika: To taste
- Italian Seasoning: To taste
Potato Ingredients
- Potatoes: 6-7 medium
- Salt: To taste
Creamy Mushroom Sauce Ingredients
- Portobello Mushroom: 1 large (or several smaller)
- Onion: 1 medium
- Garlic Cloves: 2
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
- Heavy Cream (15% fat): 7 fl oz (200 ml)
- Butter: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
- Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon (2 g)
- Salt: To taste
Topping Ingredients
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3.5 oz (100 g), grated
- Cherry Tomatoes: Optional, for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs
- Bread Preparation
- Take bread slices
- Tear into small pieces
- Soak in milk
- Let sit for 5 minutes to soften
- Mixing Meatball Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, place ground beef
- Add grated onion and garlic
- Drain excess milk from bread
- Add soaked bread to the beef
- Chop fresh parsley
- Add parsley to the mixture
- Seasoning and Forming
- Add salt, black pepper
- Sprinkle smoked paprika
- Add Italian seasoning
- Mix ingredients thoroughly
- Shape into uniform meatballs
- Set aside
Preparing Potatoes
- Potato Cooking
- Wash potatoes thoroughly
- Boil in salted water
- Cook until half-done (about 10-12 minutes)
- Drain and let cool slightly
- Cut into thick slices
Making Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Mushroom Preparation
- Clean mushrooms
- Chop into small pieces
- Finely dice onion
- Mince garlic cloves
- Sauce Base
- Melt butter in a saucepan
- Sauté onions until translucent
- Add minced garlic
- Cook for 1-2 minutes
- Creating the Sauce
- Add chopped mushrooms
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture
- Stir to coat
- Slowly pour in heavy cream
- Add nutmeg
- Season with salt
- Simmer until sauce thickens
Assembling the Casserole
- Layering
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Grease a large baking dish
- Layer half-cooked potato slices on the bottom
- Place prepared meatballs on top of potatoes
- Pour creamy mushroom sauce over meatballs
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese
- Baking
- Cover with foil
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Remove foil
- Bake for additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden
- Optional: Add cherry tomatoes in the last 5 minutes
Serving Suggestions
- Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking
- Garnish with fresh parsley
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish
- Pair with a light green salad
- Optional: Add a slice of crusty bread
Nutritional Information
Dish Nutritional Profile
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Fat: 30-35g
- Fiber: 4-6g
- Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
- Calcium: 20% Daily Value
Preparation and Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 70-75 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Meatball Moisture: Soaking bread in milk keeps meatballs tender
- Potato Tip: Don’t overcook potatoes during initial boiling
- Sauce Consistency: Stir constantly to prevent sauce from burning
- Cheese Melting: Use freshly grated cheese for best melting
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to mushroom sauce
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with plant-based meat
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and flour
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream with coconut milk
- Spice Variation: Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Mushroom Swap: Use different mushroom varieties
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen before baking for up to 1 month.
Q4: What can I serve as a side dish? A: Green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread work well.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Absolutely! Cheddar or provolone are great alternatives.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store covered for 2-3 days
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C)
- Prep Ahead: Prepare components in advance
- Portion Control: Easy to scale up or down
Dive into a world of comfort with this irresistible meatball and potato casserole that promises to become a family favorite!