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Discover how to whip up a scrumptious meal even when your pantry seems bare. This budget-friendly meatball and potato bake uses minimal ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Ideal for a filling family dinner, this recipe proves that a little meat can go a long way. Follow these simple steps and enjoy a delicious dish that won’t disappoint!
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Ingredients
- Ground Beef – 7 oz (200 grams)
- Potatoes – 1.1 lbs (500 grams)
- Rice – 5.3 oz (150 grams)
- Carrot – 1 medium
- Onion – 1/2 medium
- Water – 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
- Tomato Paste – 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Sour Cream – 2 tablespoons
- Hard Cheese – 1.8 oz (50 grams)
- Ground Black Pepper – to taste
- Salt – to taste
- Dill – for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Prep the Vegetables and Rice:
- Grate the carrot and finely chop the onion. Sauté both in a pan with one tablespoon of vegetable oil until soft and golden.
- Boil the rice until it’s half-cooked, about 10 minutes, then drain.
Mix the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed carrots and onions, half-cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Form this mixture into meatballs about 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter.
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes and slice each into semi-circles without peeling for added texture and nutrients.
Assemble the Bake:
- Grease a baking dish with the remaining vegetable oil. Layer the meatballs and potato slices alternately.
Cooking:
- Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Bake the layered meat and potatoes for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Whisk together the water, sour cream, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. After the initial 20 minutes of baking, pour this mixture over the meatballs and potatoes and return to the oven for another 15 minutes.
Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the top and continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, increase the oven temperature to 392°F (200°C) or use the broil setting for the last few minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped dill over the bake before serving to add a fresh flavor contrast.
Invite your family to the table with the irresistible aroma of this hearty, comforting dish that makes the most out of simple ingredients. Enjoy your meal!
