For those of us who love the hearty satisfaction of meatballs and mashed potatoes, the frying pan can often feel like a battleground. Splattering oil, the constant need to flip, and the lingering grease can leave us yearning for a simpler, cleaner solution. Well, fret no more, comfort food enthusiasts! This recipe unveils a secret weapon: the oven.
Yes, you read that right. This recipe takes your favorite duo of meatballs and mashed potatoes and transforms them into a one-pan wonder, baked to perfection in the oven. No more battling hot oil or monitoring the stove – simply assemble, bake, and enjoy a delicious and mess-free meal.
Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, all enveloped in a light and flavorful sauce. The aroma wafting from the oven will have your mouth watering, and the ease of preparation will leave you wondering why you ever bothered with the frying pan in the first place.
So, ditch the mess and embrace the oven! This recipe is not just about convenience, it’s about elevating your comfort food experience. Let’s delve into the simple steps to create this culinary masterpiece, and discover the joy of baked meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes, all in one glorious pan.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 600 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 5 g salt
- 3 g black pepper
- 3 g garlic powder
- 3 g smoked paprika
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 600 g potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1.5 liters water
- 30 g butter
- 5 g salt
- 3 g black pepper
- 15 g fresh dill, chopped
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 150 ml sweet cooking cream
- 30 g Dijon mustard
- 3 g salt
- 3 g black pepper
For the Salad (Optional):
- 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200 g baby arugula
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Vinaigrette:
- 20 ml olive oil
- 20 g mustard seeds
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 5 g salt
- 3 g black pepper
- 3 g herbes de Provence
- 5 g honey
- 10 ml balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly oil a 22 cm baking tray.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Boil the cubed potatoes in 1.5 liters of water over medium heat for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, salt, pepper, and dill. Set aside.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the meatballs: With wet hands, roll the mixture into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet cooking cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the dish: Once the meatballs are cooked through, spread the mashed potatoes over the bottom of the baking tray. Top with the meatballs and then pour the creamy sauce over them.
- Optional: Bake the salad. In a separate bowl, toss together cherry tomatoes, arugula, and red onion. To make the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, mustard seeds, lemon juice, salt, pepper, herbes de Provence, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.
- Finish baking: Sprinkle the dish with grated hard cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the comfort food goodness of baked meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes, all in one dish!
Tips
- For a lighter option, use lean ground meat like turkey or chicken.
- You can substitute dried herbs for fresh dill in the mashed potatoes. Use 1/2 teaspoon dried dill for every 1 tablespoon of fresh dill.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the meatballs by adding spices like Italian seasoning, cumin, or chili powder.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy classic comfort food. So ditch the frying pan and embrace the ease of the oven for perfectly baked meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes!
