Baked Meatballs with Bechamel Sauce

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Baked meatballs with béchamel sauce served on a plate, garnished with herbs

Baked Meatballs with Bechamel Sauce: A Comfort Food Delight

If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty dish to satisfy your cravings, look no further than Baked Meatballs with Bechamel Sauce. This delightful recipe combines tender ground meat, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce, topped with cheese for an irresistible finish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish not only warms the heart but is also easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (500 g) ground meat (pork or a mix)
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 large potato (about 200 g)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons flour or breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic
  • Oil for frying
  • 3.5 tablespoons (50 g) butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2.5 cups (600 ml) warm milk
  • 1/3 cup (100 ml) cooking cream (10-12%)
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Dried basil and rosemary to taste
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Gouda cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. Finely chop the onion and peel and grate the potato. Remove excess water from the grated potato.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated potato, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, flour (or breadcrumbs), and spices. Mix well using your hands.
  3. Form the mixture into small round meatballs, yielding about 8-10 pieces.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the meatballs on both sides until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Transfer the fried meatballs to a buttered baking dish.
  6. For the Bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Gradually pour in the warm milk, bringing it to a boil. Continue to cook for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  8. Stir in the cooking cream, and season with salt, nutmeg, and herbs of your choice.
  9. Pour the Bechamel sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish.
  10. Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C).
  11. Grate the Gouda and Mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle it generously over the top.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the dish is golden brown and bubbling.
  13. Allow the dish to stand for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Baked Meatballs with Bechamel Sauce

These baked meatballs with Bechamel sauce pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, or a fresh vegetable salad. For a complete meal, consider serving a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is sure to impress family and friends alike, making it a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the warmth of this heartwarming meal!