French-Style Baked Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese

French-Style Baked Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese

A hearty and delicious French-inspired dish that layers tender boiled potatoes with flavorful meatballs, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy family meal!

Ingredients:

• 3 large potatoes
• 1 chopped white onion
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes and slice them into ¼-inch rounds.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potato slices for about 8 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
2. Mix well and shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Heat a pan with olive oil and brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes until golden. They don’t need to be fully cooked, as they will bake later.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onion

1. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion on medium-low heat until soft and golden brown (about 10 minutes).

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
3. Arrange a layer of boiled potato slices at the bottom.
4. Add half of the caramelized onions and some grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Place the meatballs evenly over the potatoes.
6. Add another layer of potatoes and the remaining caramelized onions.
7. Pour the heavy cream over everything.
8. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Size:

Serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 4g

Benefits of This Dish:

✅ Rich in Protein – The meatballs provide a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair.
✅ Good Source of Calcium – Cheese and cream contribute to bone health.
✅ Balanced Carbs – Potatoes offer sustained energy.
✅ Comforting & Filling – A warm, cheesy dish perfect for cozy meals.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream.
• Want a crispy top? Broil for the last 3 minutes.
• Make it vegetarian – Replace meatballs with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Use different cheeses – Try Comté, Swiss, or even a smoky cheddar for variation.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Absolutely! They add a slightly sweet twist to the dish.

---

Would you like any modifications or additions? 😊