There are comfort foods, and then there are recipes that immediately wrap you up in warmth the moment they hit the table. This Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole with Fresh Salad is exactly that. Juicy, tender meatballs are nestled over thinly sliced golden potatoes, baked to perfection, and crowned with bubbling cheddar cheese. Add in a creamy yogurt-herb sauce baked right in, and you’ve got layers of flavor that are savory, rich, and soul-satisfying. To balance things out, this recipe also includes a refreshing salad full of crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty homemade dressing. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but elegant enough to serve for family gatherings or special dinners. It’s the kind of recipe that combines simplicity with decadence, making it a must-try for anyone who loves wholesome comfort food with a touch of finesse.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs & Potatoes:

• 1.5 pounds (700 g) ground beef

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons oregano

• 2 teaspoons rosemary

• 1 egg

• 1 cup (125 g) oatmeal, blended into flour

• ½ cup (120 ml) warm cream

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, grated

• Olive oil, for sautéing

• 4–6 potatoes, thinly sliced

• 4 ounces (120 g) Greek yogurt

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ½ cup water

• 7 ounces (200 g) cheddar cheese, grated

• Green onions, finely chopped, for garnish

For the Fresh Salad:

• Mixed salad greens (2–3 handfuls)

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

• 3–4 mini cucumbers, sliced into rings

• 5–6 cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 avocado, diced

For the Salad Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, and one egg.

2. Blend oatmeal in a blender until it becomes a fine flour. Mix it with warm cream until smooth, then add to the beef mixture.

3. In a frying pan, heat olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion for 3–4 minutes. Add grated garlic and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Transfer to the beef mixture.

4. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well combined.

5. Slice potatoes into thin circles. Grease a baking dish with olive oil and arrange the potato slices in a spiral pattern on the bottom.

6. Form the meat mixture into even-sized meatballs and place them over the potatoes.

7. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, oregano, black pepper, chopped parsley, and water. Pour this sauce evenly over the meatballs and potatoes.

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for 40 minutes.

9. While baking, prepare the salad: combine salad greens, bell pepper, cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado in a large bowl.

10. Make the dressing by whisking olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, salt, oregano, and black pepper. Pour over the salad and mix gently.

11. After 40 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for another 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

12. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot alongside the fresh salad.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 32 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 32 g

• Fiber: 5 g

• Calcium: 210 mg

• Iron: 4 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect marriage of indulgence and nutrition. You’ll love the way the meatballs soak up the flavors of herbs and cream, the way the potatoes turn tender and golden, and how the bubbling cheese on top pulls it all together into one irresistible bite. Paired with a light and crunchy salad, it’s a complete meal that doesn’t feel too heavy yet keeps you fully satisfied.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This casserole is inspired by rustic European kitchens where meat, potatoes, and fresh garden vegetables were staples of everyday cooking. It’s reminiscent of Mediterranean influences with its yogurt-herb sauce and oregano, yet it also has a cozy, farmhouse feel that makes it universally comforting. The blend of hearty baked meatballs with fresh salad is a nod to the timeless balance between richness and freshness in traditional cooking.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Ground Beef: The star of the dish, juicy and protein-packed.

• Potatoes: A classic base that absorbs flavors and becomes tender and golden.

• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang, making the dish lighter than using heavy cream.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a gooey, savory topping that ties everything together.

• Fresh Vegetables: Balance the richness with freshness, crunch, and nutrients.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This casserole stores beautifully. Simply cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or use the microwave for quick heating. The salad is best made fresh, but you can prep vegetables ahead of time and store them separately to toss right before serving.

Common Variations to Try

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Add zucchini or eggplant slices to the potato base for more veggies.

• Try mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder, gooier top.

• Spice it up with chili flakes or cayenne if you like some heat.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or iced herbal tea balances the richness. If serving for guests, warm crusty bread on the side will make the meal even more complete.

Health Benefits

This meal provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Ground beef supplies iron and B vitamins, potatoes add fiber and potassium, while the fresh salad contributes antioxidants and healthy fats from avocado. The yogurt sauce adds probiotics, and the herbs bring anti-inflammatory properties. It’s comfort food with nutritional benefits tucked in.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole with Fresh Salad is more than just dinner—it’s a celebration of flavor, family, and comfort. Each bite is layered with savory meatballs, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, while the bright salad cuts through with refreshing balance. It’s hearty enough to feed a hungry crowd yet elegant enough for special occasions. The best part? It’s a dish that connects us to the warmth of traditional cooking while still being simple enough to prepare in modern kitchens. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to again and again, the kind that never fails to bring smiles to the table.