Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese

Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese is my kind of comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and full of home-cooked flavor. It’s the perfect one-pan meal where juicy meatballs meet crispy roasted potatoes, all tied together with melty cheese and simple seasonings. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish hits the spot every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly satisfying and easy to customize. The meatballs stay juicy on the inside with a nice sear on the outside, the potatoes get crispy and golden, and the melted cheese makes everything feel indulgent and cozy. It’s a no-fuss dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor—just toss everything together and bake. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and made with ingredients I usually already have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the rest:
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, I mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.

I roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, and set them aside.

In another bowl, I toss the chopped potatoes with olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

I spread the seasoned potatoes out on a baking sheet and roast them for 15 minutes.

Then I add the meatballs to the same pan with the potatoes and return it to the oven for another 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the potatoes are tender and golden.

I sprinkle the cheese all over the top and bake for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles.

I let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 40–45 minutes to cook, so I have a hot, cheesy, satisfying dinner on the table in about an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I use sweet potatoes for a different twist or add chopped bell peppers and onions for extra color and flavor. For a spicy kick, I mix a bit of chili powder into the meatballs or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. And when I want to sneak in some greens, I stir in some spinach or kale right before adding the cheese.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. The potatoes re-crisp nicely in the oven, and the cheese gets melty all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, I’ve used frozen meatballs when I’m short on time. I just adjust the baking time accordingly and make sure they’re fully heated through before adding the cheese.

What kind of potatoes work best?

I like using Yukon Golds or Russets because they roast up beautifully, but red potatoes or baby potatoes also work well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prep the meatballs and potatoes earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge. When it’s dinner time, I just pop everything in the oven and bake fresh.

Is it okay to use different cheese?

Definitely. Mozzarella melts nicely and adds that stretchy texture, but I also love it with cheddar, provolone, or a blend of whatever I have on hand.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, I freeze portions in airtight containers for up to a month. I thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to keep the texture just right.

Conclusion

Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese is one of those cozy, feel-good meals that never disappoints. It’s simple to throw together, endlessly adaptable, and full of rich, satisfying flavors. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday dinner or a busy weeknight, this dish brings everything I want to the table—comfort, convenience, and plenty of cheesy goodness.

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