Baked Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese

Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
500 g ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
1 egg
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Potatoes:
3–4 medium potatoes, peeled
Water for boiling
½ teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
For Topping:
200–250 g mozzarella cheese, grated
50 g cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Butter or oil for greasing the dish
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
1Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick round slices.

2Place the slices in a pot filled with water and add salt.

3 Bring to a boil and cook for about 8–10 minutes until slightly tender (not fully soft).
4 Drain the water and let the potatoes cool. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1 In a large bowl, add the ground beef.
2 Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley.
3 Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin.
4 Add the egg, breadcrumbs, and olive oil.
5 Mix everything well using your hands until fully combined.
6 Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes in the refrigerator for better texture.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
1 2 Take small portions of the meat mixture.
Roll them into medium-sized balls (about the size of a walnut).
3 Place them on a plate and continue until all the mixture is used.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2 Grease a round glass baking dish with butter or oil.
3 Arrange the potato slices around the dish in a circular pattern.
4 Place one meatball between each potato slice.
5 Continue arranging until the dish is completely filled.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

1 In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, ketchup, oregano, black pepper, and olive oil.
2 Stir well until smooth.
3 Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs and potatoes.
Step 6: First Baking

1 Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
2 Place in the preheated oven.
3 Bake for 35–40 minutes until the meat is cooked and potatoes are soft.
4 Remove the foil after baking.
Step 7: Add Cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Return the dish to the oven without foil.
Bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
1 Remove the dish from the oven.
2Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3 Cut into slices and serve warm.