Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Meatballs:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. Once done, set aside.

1. Prepare the Potato Base:
   If you’re using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them into bite-sized cubes. For frozen hash browns, you can use them directly without any prep.

• In a large bowl, mix the hash browns or diced potatoes with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
• Tip: For a lighter casserole, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat milk.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Spread the potato mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Place the cooked meatballs on top of the potato mixture. Make sure the meatballs are distributed evenly across the dish.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend) generously over the top of the casserole.

1. Bake the Casserole:
   Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fully cooked.
2. Serve and Garnish:
   Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips and Variations for Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole

• Add Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies by adding frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach to the casserole. Just make sure to stir them in with the potato mixture before assembling the casserole.
• Use Different Meats: While beef is traditional, you can also make this casserole with ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer. You can even go meatless by making veggie or cheese meatballs for a vegetarian version.
• Make it Spicy: Add a little heat by mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce in the potato mixture. You can also top it with some pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
• Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Use Different Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to get creative with different types of cheese like mozzarella, Gouda, or a cheese blend for a more gourmet flavor.

Healthier Alternatives

While this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole is comfort food at its finest, there are ways to make it a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor:

• Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It’s lower in fat and higher in protein while still adding creaminess to the dish.
• Use Sweet Potatoes: If you’re looking to add a more nutritious element, try using diced sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Lean Meats: You can use lean ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat alternative.

Why This Casserole is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s the ultimate one-pan meal that can feed a crowd, making it ideal for:

• Family dinners: A comforting and easy meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Potlucks: Bring this casserole to your next gathering, and you’ll be the hero of the party with this crowd-pleaser.
• Game Day: Serve it up at your next tailgate or game day watch party—it’s the perfect dish to share with friends.
• Meal Prep: This casserole keeps well, so you can make it in advance for a couple of meals throughout the week. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy.

Conclusion: Comfort, Flavor, and Simplicity in Every Bite

If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and filling, this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole ticks all the boxes. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s simple to make, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that only gets better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

So the next time you need a meal that brings everyone to the table, try this Cheesy Potato Meatball Casserole. It’s sure to become a family favorite that everyone will ask for time and time again!