Baked potato with meat balls

Here’s a flavorful recipe for Baked Potato with Meatballs that combines crispy baked potatoes with juicy meatballs for a hearty meal!

Ingredients:

For the Baked Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme (optional)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baked Potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub and wash the potatoes, then pat them dry.
3. Pierce each potato with a fork a few times, then rub them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary/thyme (if using).
4. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are soft. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meatballs:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 5–7 minutes until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet, as they will finish cooking in the oven).

3. Bake the Potatoes with Meatballs:

1. Once the potatoes are ready, cut a slit down the middle of each baked potato and gently push the sides to open them up.
2. Place the browned meatballs on top of or around the potatoes on the baking sheet.
3. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/70°C).

4. Serve:

• Serve the baked potatoes topped with meatballs and your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions or parsley.

Enjoy your Baked Potato with Meatballs—a comforting and filling meal!