French-Style Meatball & Potato Bake

Ingredients

• 3 large potatoes
• 1 chopped white onion
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or mixed beef + lamb)
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, or mozzarella)
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water for 10–12 minutes until just tender.
2. Let cool slightly, then slice into ½-inch rounds.

2. Make the meatballs

3. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and parsley.
4. Shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch / 2–3 cm).
5. Heat a little olive oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides (they will finish cooking in the oven).

3. Cook the onions

6. In the same pan, add butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and lightly golden.

4. Assemble the dish

7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Lightly butter a baking dish.
9. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom.
10. Add the sautéed onions over the potatoes.
11. Place the meatballs evenly over the top.
12. Pour the cream (or milk) evenly across everything.
13. Sprinkle all the cheese on top.

5. Bake

14. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Serve

Enjoy warm — it’s creamy, cheesy, and super comforting!