Ingredients

For the Puree:

• 5 potatoes
• 50 grams of cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons of milk (30 ml)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (4 grams)
• Allspice and mint (to taste)

For the Meatballs:

• 500 grams of ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 150 grams of cabbage (finely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (30 ml)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (8 grams)
• 3 tablespoons of wheat flour (60 grams)
• Black pepper, cumin, paprika, thyme (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (60 grams)
• 1.5 cups of water (300 ml)

For Topping:

• 100 grams of cheddar cheese (grated)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Puree

1. Boil the potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until they are soft and tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the water and mash the potatoes until smooth.
3. Add the ingredients: Mix in 50 grams of cheddar cheese, 3 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of allspice and mint. Stir well until everything is combined and the cheese is melted.
4. Set aside: Once the potato puree is creamy and smooth, set it aside while preparing the meatballs.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, finely chopped cabbage, minced garlic, chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 3 tablespoons of flour. Add black pepper, cumin, paprika, thyme, and parsley according to your taste preferences.
2. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, form small to medium-sized meatballs from the mixture.
3. Cook the meatballs: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until they are browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1.5 cups of water. Stir until the tomato paste dissolves into the water, creating a smooth sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Layer the dish: In a casserole dish, spread the prepared potato puree as the first layer. Place the cooked meatballs on top of the potato layer.
3. Pour the sauce: Evenly pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs.
4. Add the cheese: Sprinkle 100 grams of grated cheddar cheese over the entire dish.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
2. Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the best mashed potato texture.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for added flavor. Dried herbs can also work in a pinch.
• For a lighter casserole, you can substitute half of the cheddar cheese in the potato puree with a low-fat cheese or leave it out entirely.
• If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 750 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other meats like turkey, chicken, or a mixture of pork and beef for a different flavor.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it in a preheated oven.

3. Is it necessary to add cabbage to the meatballs?

The cabbage adds a unique texture and moisture to the meatballs, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or replace it with grated zucchini or spinach.

4. Can I use other cheeses?

Certainly! While cheddar is recommended for its melting properties, you can also use mozzarella, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses.

5. How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from being lumpy?

Ensure that the potatoes are fully cooked and soft before mashing. Using a potato masher or ricer will give you a smooth consistency. Also, adding warm milk helps create a creamier texture.

Conclusion

Cheesy Potato Puree with Meatballs Casserole is a wholesome and comforting dish that brings together the heartiness of homemade meatballs, the creaminess of cheesy mashed potatoes, and the richness of tomato sauce. With its layers of flavors and textures, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. It’s a simple dish that packs a punch of flavor and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Serve it with a side salad or fresh bread, and enjoy the warm, savory goodness!