Tangy Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy edges and golden-brown surfaces make these rosemary garlic smashed potatoes a true crowd-pleaser.

Tender potatoes boiled to perfection invite a rustic smashing technique that releases incredible flavor profiles.

Each potato cradles layers of aromatic rosemary and robust garlic, creating a delectable side dish.

Mediterranean culinary traditions shine through in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Salt and pepper enhance the natural earthiness of the potatoes, while olive oil ensures a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.

The herbs and garlic dance together, promising a mouthwatering experience that elevates any meal.

Prepare to savor every delightful, crispy bite of this irresistible potato sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything For Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

• Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape holds sauce and creates comforting texture, choose medium-sized pasta like penne or rigatoni.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances dish's taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to meat sauce.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty flavor, select lean meat for healthier option.
• Onion: Brings sweet undertones and aromatic foundation to meat sauce.
• Garlic: Creates robust flavor base and adds complexity to dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Quick flavor enhancer with rich tomato profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides chunky texture and fresh tomato brightness.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers traditional Mediterranean herb notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle spicy kick.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates creamy smooth layer between pasta and sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides classic stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp nutty undertones.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces extra tangy melting quality.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Brightens final presentation with fresh herbaceous garnish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking.

Kitchen Items For Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and simmering meat sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the pasta.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine pasta, cheese, and meat sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta after cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help accurately measure ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Useful if grating cheese fresh.
• Aluminum foil: Covers dish during initial baking stage.

How To Smash Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

• Gather Potato Warriors

Select fresh, firm potatoes that are ready to be transformed into crispy, herbal delights.

• Wash and Prep Spuds

Thoroughly clean potatoes and cut them into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.

• Boil Potato Medallions

Place potato chunks in salted water and boil until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

• Create Smashing Surface

Drain potatoes and transfer to a lined baking sheet, allowing them to cool slightly.

• Crush and Season

Gently press each potato with a fork or potato masher, creating rustic, uneven surfaces. Drizzle generously with olive oil.

• Sprinkle Flavor Blast

Liberally coat potatoes with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and cracked black pepper.

• Crisp to Perfection

Roast in a preheated 425°F oven for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and crispy.

• Serve and Devour

Transfer potatoes to a serving platter, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, and enjoy immediately while hot and crunchy.

Tips To Improve Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

• Pasta Al Dente Trick: Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture in the final dish.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let cheese rest at room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more evenly and create a gorgeous golden crust.
• Meat Browning Secret: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better caramelization and prevent steaming, which enhances overall flavor.
• Sauce Depth Booster: Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to meat sauce for richer, more complex flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a protein-packed meatless alternative.
• Low-Fat Adaptation: Use lean ground turkey, part-skim ricotta, and reduce cheese quantity to create a lighter, healthier casserole.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intole.

Serve Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes Right

• Golden Garlic Crunch: Sprinkle extra crispy garlic chips on top for a delightful textural contrast and intense flavor punch.
• Herb Heaven: Scatter fresh chopped rosemary and parsley over the finished dish to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the robust meat sauce.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Add an extra handful of grated parmesan or sprinkle some crumbled feta just before serving to elevate the cheesy experience and create more depth.
• Side Companion Delight: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or serve alongside warm garlic bread to round out the meal and balance the rich pasta bake.

Keep Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes Stored

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta bake fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, which maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350F, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of marinara sauce to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide the pasta bake into single-serving containers before refrigerating, making weekday lunches and quick dinners super convenient for busy schedules.

Crispy Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic rosemary garlic smashed potatoes bring rustic comfort to any meal. Mediterranean flavors combine with crispy textures, creating an irresistible side dish you will savor alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (24 oz / 680 g) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Crank the oven to a scorching 425°F (220°C), setting the stage for potato transformation.
2. Potato Selection: Scrub medium-sized potatoes under running water, ensuring pristine cleanliness and smooth skin.
3. Boiling Process: Submerge potatoes in salted water, bringing to a vigorous boil, then simmer until fork-tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.
4. Smashing Technique: Drain potatoes and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then gently crush each potato with a masher or glass bottom, creating rustic, uneven surfaces.
5. Seasoning Ritual: Lavish potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with chopped rosemary, minced garlic, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Roasting Magic: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, rotating midway through the 25-30 minute cook time to achieve uniform golden-brown crispiness and herb-infused perfection.
7. Serving Finale: Rescue the potatoes when they’ve developed a crackling exterior and tender interior, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, and present immediately while piping hot and irresistibly crisp.

Notes

• Choose Waxy Potatoes: Select sturdy, low-starch potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes that hold their shape well and create the perfect crispy exterior.
• Dry Potatoes Thoroughly: After boiling, let potatoes steam-dry completely to remove excess moisture, ensuring maximum crispiness when roasted.
• Generous Oil Coating: Use plenty of olive oil and don’t be shy – more oil means crunchier, more golden-brown potato edges that everyone loves.
• Customize Seasoning: Experiment with alternative herbs like thyme or parsley, or add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor complexity and dietary variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg