Cheesy Meatballs with Potatoes – A Cozy, Hearty Family Favorite
There’s a certain magic in meals that combine the heartiness of potatoes, the savory comfort of meatballs, and the irresistible pull of melted cheese. This Cheesy Meatballs with Potatoes recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day — comforting, filling, and made with simple, familiar ingredients.
If you’ve ever wanted a dish that blends the coziness of a casserole with the rich flavor of baked meatballs, this recipe is for you. Imagine juicy homemade meatballs nestled among buttery potatoes, baked until golden, then covered in gooey melted cheese. Every bite is savory, creamy, and perfectly seasoned — a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
This recipe comes together easily, yet tastes like something you’d find in a cozy countryside kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Meal: Protein, carbs, and gooey cheese in one delicious bake.
- Family Favorite: Kids love it, and adults can’t stop going for seconds.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable pantry staples.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead, freeze, and reheat for busy nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and roll into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. They don’t need to cook through — they’ll finish in the oven.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place diced potatoes and onions in the baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Arrange browned meatballs on top of the potatoes. Pour the heavy cream evenly over everything. Cover with foil.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and meatballs are fully cooked.
- Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and return to the oven for 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot — perfect with a green salad or a side of crusty bread.
Cheesy Meatballs with Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Combine beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in skillet for 2–3 minutes per side; transfer to plate.
- Add diced potatoes and onions to baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and season lightly.
- Arrange meatballs on top, pour over heavy cream, and cover with foil.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until potatoes are tender, then top with cheeses and bake uncovered 10 more minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture — it keeps them tender.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Want extra flavor? Mix 2 tablespoons of sour cream into the cream before baking.
- You can swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
Variations
- Italian-Style: Add marinara sauce before baking and use Italian seasoning with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Creamy Ranch Version: Mix 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning into the cream and top with Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bacon Lover’s Edition: Add chopped cooked bacon between the meatballs before baking.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in diced bell peppers or spinach for color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A drizzle of extra melted butter or a sprinkle of chili flakes makes it even more indulgent.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist.
Fun Fact
Meatballs and potatoes have long been a classic comfort food duo in many European kitchens, especially in Scandinavian and Mediterranean cooking. This cheesy baked twist takes that old-fashioned pairing and transforms it into a modern family favorite — cozy, creamy, and totally irresistible.
There’s something special about watching your family dig into a dish like this, each spoonful warm and satisfying. Whether you make it for Sunday dinner or a busy midweek meal, this Cheesy Meatballs with Potatoes bake is one of those recipes that feels like home.
