Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole

### **Instructions for Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little bit of butter. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish. Try to overlap them slightly, like shingles on a roof, to ensure they cook evenly.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs**
If using frozen meatballs, follow the package instructions to cook them. You can either bake them in the oven or heat them on the stovetop. Once cooked, cut them in half to ensure they fit evenly throughout the casserole. If you’re making homemade meatballs, simply cook them in a skillet until browned and cooked through, then slice them into halves.

#### **Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the **sour cream**, **heavy cream** (or milk), **melted butter**, **minced garlic**, and **Italian seasoning**. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture will help bring everything together and keep the casserole rich and flavorful.

#### **Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**
Layer the cooked meatballs on top of the potatoes. Once the meatballs are evenly distributed, pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure it covers the meatballs and potatoes. Then, sprinkle the shredded **mozzarella** and **cheddar cheese** evenly over the casserole.

#### **Step 5: Bake the Casserole**
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about **35-40 minutes**, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. After the potatoes are tender, remove the foil and bake for an additional **10-15 minutes** to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.

#### **Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches**
Once the casserole is fully baked, remove it from the oven. If using, sprinkle the **Parmesan cheese** over the top and return the casserole to the oven for another **2-3 minutes** to melt the cheese.

Garnish with **fresh parsley** for a pop of color and extra flavor.

#### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. Scoop out hearty portions and enjoy the delicious layers of crispy potatoes, juicy meatballs, and creamy cheese.

### **Why This Casserole is So Special**

1. **Perfect Layering**: The layers of potatoes, meatballs, and cheese create a comforting, balanced meal that satisfies your hunger and cravings in every bite. The cream sauce pulls everything together, making it irresistibly delicious.
2. **Time-Saver**: Unlike some casseroles that require complicated prep work, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty meal with minimal effort.
3. **Kid-Friendly**: The combination of potatoes, meatballs, and cheese makes this casserole a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s one of those dishes that pleases picky eaters and satisfies a variety of tastes.
4. **Versatile**: Feel free to switch things up by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole. You can also change the cheese for a different flavor profile, such as using pepper jack for a little heat or Gouda for a smoky twist.

### **Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole**

– **Use Starchy Potatoes**: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they get nice and tender when baked. Other potatoes like Yukon Golds will work as well but may have a creamier texture.
– **Make It Ahead**: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a little extra time in the oven to heat it through.
– **Make It Your Own**: Customize the casserole by adding a variety of herbs and spices to the cream sauce. A dash of paprika, thyme, or rosemary would pair wonderfully with the creamy potatoes and savory meatballs.
– **Leftovers**: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal the next day.

### **Conclusion**

This **Baked Potato and Meatball Casserole** is the epitome of comfort food—rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a one-dish meal that brings together all the flavors you love, making it perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The crispy potatoes, tender meatballs, and melted cheese create a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s simple to make, delicious to eat, and sure to please a crowd, give this casserole a try. It’s guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time!