Ingredients:
**For the Dish:**
– 3 potatoes, peeled and boiled
– 1 white onion
– 1 package of ground beef
– One teaspoon of chopped parsley
– 1 pinch of paprika
– 1 large bag of shredded mozzarella
– Salt
– Pepper
**For the Béchamel Sauce:**
– 5 tablespoons of butter
– 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 4 cups of milk
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
Instructions:
1. **Prepare Béchamel Sauce:**
– In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
– Add flour and stir until smooth. Cook until it turns a light golden color (6-7 minutes).
– Heat milk in a separate pan until almost at a boil. Gradually add hot milk one cup at a time to the butter, whisking constantly until smooth.
– Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
– Season with salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. **Preheat Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. **Prepare Meat Mixture:**
– In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
4. **Prepare Potatoes:**
– Peel and boil three potatoes until semi-soft (around 7 minutes).
– Slice the boiled potatoes and arrange them in a round glass baking dish. Create one layer at the bottom and another layer around the sides.
5. **Form Meatballs:**
– Form ice cream scoop-sized meatballs from the beef mixture (should make about 15 meatballs).
– Arrange the meatballs on the potato slices.
6. **Assemble Casserole:**
– Use the remaining potato slices to create walls between the meatballs, forming individual compartments.
– Pour Béchamel sauce into each compartment until relatively full.
– Top the entire dish with a thin layer of shredded mozzarella.
7. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
8. **Serve:**
– Once done, you’ll have a deliciously cheesy and creamy French casserole-style dish. Serve and enjoy!
In summary, this Potato and Meatball Casserole with Béchamel Sauce offers a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a cozy meal alone, this comforting casserole is sure to leave you savoring the warmth and richness of each delectable bite.