When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like potatoes with meatballs and cheese. This hearty and delicious recipe combines tender mashed potatoes, flavorful meatballs, and melted cheese to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
In this recipe, you’ll make meatballs stuffed with gooey cheese, which are then wrapped in mashed potatoes and coated in breadcrumbs before being fried to crispy perfection. The bacon and Parmesan in the mix add layers of savory flavor, while the cheese in the center of the meatballs melts beautifully during cooking, making each bite rich and indulgent.
Here’s everything you need to know to make this easy yet flavorful dish.
Ingredients for Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese
For the Meatballs:
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 25g parsley, chopped
- 500g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix of both)
- 1 egg
- 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 slice of bread, crumbled
- 150g diced cheese (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese of your choice)
For the Potatoes:
- 1kg potatoes, peeled and boiled
- Salt, to taste
- 4 slices bacon
For the Coating:
- Flour, for dredging
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs, for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs: Start by chopping the parsley and shallot finely. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and crumbled bread. Add the chopped shallots and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture should be well combined and hold together well when shaped into meatballs.
Now, take a portion of the meat mixture and form a ball. Use your finger or a small spoon to make a small indentation in the middle of the meatball, then insert a cube of cheese. Wrap the meat around the cheese, ensuring it is fully enclosed, and shape it into a smooth ball. Repeat this process until all the meatballs are formed.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Next, peel the potatoes and boil them in a large pot of salted water. Boil until they are fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. While the potatoes cook, slice the bacon into small pieces and fry it in a pan until crispy. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain.
3. Prepare the Potato Mixture: Once the potatoes are done, drain them and mash them well. Add the crispy bacon pieces to the mashed potatoes and mix them in thoroughly. Season with salt to taste. You now have a creamy, flavorful mashed potato base for wrapping your meatballs.
4. Assemble the Balls: Take a handful of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place one of the cheese-filled meatballs in the center of the mashed potato, and gently fold the mashed potatoes around the meatball, completely covering it. Shape the potato-coated meatball into a ball, making sure it is tightly sealed. Repeat this process with the remaining meatballs.
5. Coat the Balls: Next, you’ll need to coat the potato balls to get them crispy. Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will give the balls a delicious, crispy exterior once they are fried.
6. Fry the Balls: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded potato balls into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry them in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve: Once the Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese are crispy and golden, serve them hot. These balls are best enjoyed right away, and they pair wonderfully with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or a creamy ranch dressing. You can also garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips and Variations:
- Meat Options: Feel free to use a mix of meats in the meatball mixture. Ground beef and pork create a rich, flavorful combination, but ground chicken or turkey could be used for a lighter version.
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses in the middle of the meatball, such as cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and coat them ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying. This can help save time on the day you want to serve the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas, and stuff them with vegetarian cheese or tofu.
Why This Recipe Works:
This dish is perfect for those who love comforting, hearty meals. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory meatballs, and melted cheese creates a satisfying flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s also a great way to repurpose potatoes and ground meat into a fun, easy-to-eat meal that’s filling and tasty.
By frying these meatball potato balls, you get the best of both worlds: a crispy, crunchy exterior with a warm, gooey, cheesy center. The Parmesan in the meatballs adds depth and richness, while the bacon gives an irresistible smoky flavor to the potatoes.
Conclusion:
Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese is a simple yet indulgent recipe that’s ideal for family meals or dinner parties. The crispy coating, cheesy meatballs, and mashed potatoes are a winning combination. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to make something extraordinary!
Enjoy this delicious dish, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!