Here’s a cozy, comforting Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole—easy, hearty, and perfect for a family meal!

🥔 Potato & Meatball Casserole (Baked)

Ingredients (4–6 servings)

For the casserole:

• 1 lb (450 g) meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Salt & pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For the creamy sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom/chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. Par-cook the meatballs (if raw)

• Brown in a skillet for 5–7 minutes, or partially bake for 10 minutes.
  (This improves flavor and texture.)

If using pre-cooked meatballs, skip this.

3. Prepare the potatoes

Slice potatoes thin (⅛–¼ inch).
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

4. Layer the casserole

In the baking dish:

1. Bottom layer: Half the sliced potatoes
2. Add onions
3. Place meatballs on top
4. Add remaining potatoes
5. Sprinkle a handful of cheese (reserve most for the top)

5. Make the sauce

Whisk together:

• Cream (or soup)
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Garlic
• Parmesan (optional)

Pour evenly over the dish.

6. Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake 50–60 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
2. Remove foil, top with the remaining cheese, and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Rest and serve

Let stand 5 minutes before serving to set.

🌟 Variations

Creamy Mushroom Version

Add sautéed mushrooms between layers.

Tomato-Based Version

Replace cream sauce with marinara + ½ cup cream for a creamy tomato bake.

Healthier Version

Use turkey or chicken meatballs and replace heavy cream with evaporated milk.

Fully Loaded Version

Top with bacon bits, green onions, and sharp cheddar.

If you’d like, I can give you a one-pan skillet version, vegan version, or Greek-style version with feta and herbs!