A layer of potatoes and meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Plate:

• 3 peeled and boiled potatoes
• 1 white onion
• 1 package of minced meat
• 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley
• A pinch of paprika
• 1 bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Bechamel sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

For the Bechamel 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:

Preparing the Bechamel Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add the flour and stir to create a smooth mixture. Cook until it turns light golden, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a separate saucepan until almost boiling.
4. Gradually add 1 cup of the hot milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking continuously until smooth.
5. Once all the milk is incorporated, bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Season the sauce with salt and nutmeg. Set the prepared Bechamel sauce aside.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with chopped parsley, paprika, a little salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Peel and boil three potatoes until almost soft, about 7 minutes. Slice them and arrange them flat on the bottom of a round glass baking dish. Create another layer around the sides of the dish as well.
4. Roll the meat mixture into meatballs, about the size of an ice cream scoop. You should have around 15 meatballs.
5. Arrange the meatballs on the potato slices in the baking dish.
6. Use the remaining potato slices to create walls between the meatballs, separating them into individual sections.
7. Pour the prepared Bechamel sauce into each section, filling them relatively full.
8. Top the entire dish with a thin layer of grated mozzarella cheese.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and cheesy French-style casserole!