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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Crank the oven to a scorching 425°F (220°C), setting the stage for potato transformation.
- Potato Selection: Scrub medium-sized potatoes under running water, ensuring pristine cleanliness and smooth skin.
- Boiling Process: Submerge potatoes in salted water, bringing to a vigorous boil, then simmer until fork-tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.
- 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.
- Seasoning Ritual: Lavish potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with chopped rosemary, minced garlic, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- 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