Cheesy Baked Meatball & Potato Casserole

by March 28, 2026
2 minutes read

May be an image of shepherd's pie

Ingredients

  • 3 large potatoes (peeled, sliced into rounds)
  • 1 white onion (finely chopped)
  • 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1–1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar work well)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Prepare potatoes
    • Boil sliced potatoes in salted water for about 5–7 minutes (just slightly tender, not fully cooked).
    • Drain and set aside.
  3. Make meatballs
    • In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
    • Form into medium-sized meatballs.
  4. Assemble the dish
    • Lightly grease a baking dish.
    • Arrange potato slices and meatballs in an alternating pattern (like in the image).
    • Pour cream evenly over everything.
  5. Bake (first round)
    • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Add cheese & finish baking
    • Remove foil, sprinkle cheese generously on top.
    • Bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  7. Serve
    • Let it cool slightly, then serve warm.

 Q&A

Q: Can I use other meats?
Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork all work well.

Q: Do I have to boil the potatoes first?
It’s recommended—this ensures they cook evenly and don’t stay hard.

Q: What cheese works best?
Mozzarella gives a stretchy melt, while cheddar adds stronger flavor. A mix is ideal.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 5–10 extra minutes to cooking time.

Q: Can I make it healthier?
Use lean meat, low-fat cheese, and substitute cream with milk or a light sauce.

Q: What can I serve with it?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables balances the richness.

Sara Mitchell
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Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly. With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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