This hearty, comforting casserole is a perfect dish for family dinners, especially on Sundays! With a flavorful mixture of ground meat, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this recipe will surely become a household favorite. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and packed with savory goodness.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Cuisine This recipe draws inspiration from classic Mediterranean and Eastern European dishes that combine meat, vegetables, and creamy sauces in layers, baked to perfection.
Full List of Ingredients
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For the Crepes:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 30 g butter
- 240 g flour
- Vegetable oil (for greasing the pan)
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For the Meat and Vegetable Filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 450 g ground minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cup pureed tomatoes
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 30 g butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 500 ml milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 150 g pizza mozzarella, grated
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For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Crepes:
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 500 ml of milk and mix until combined.
- Gradually add 240 g of flour, whisking continuously. If the dough is too thick, add some warm water to adjust the consistency.
- Heat a pan with a little vegetable oil, just enough to grease it, before cooking the first portion of the crepe batter.
- Pour a portion of the batter into the pan, swirling it to create a thin, even layer. Cook the crepes on both sides until lightly golden.
- Set aside the cooked crepes. You should have enough batter for about 8-10 crepes.
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Prepare the Meat and Vegetable Filling:
- In a skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Add 450 g of minced meat, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and the meat is fully cooked through.
- Add 1 finely chopped bell pepper, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp oregano. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers are soft.
- Stir in 1/2 cup pureed tomatoes, 1 finely chopped tomato, and 1 grated carrot. Let the mixture cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
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Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a separate pan, melt 30 g of butter over low heat.
- Add 3 tbsp flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add 500 ml of milk, stirring continuously so that the sauce becomes smooth and free of lumps.
- Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a baking dish, layer a few of the crepes on the bottom.
- Spread half of the meat and vegetable mixture over the crepes, then pour over a layer of the creamy sauce.
- Continue layering the crepes, meat, and sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
- Sprinkle 150 g of grated mozzarella cheese on top and garnish with sesame seeds.
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Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve:
- Serve this delicious casserole hot, perfect for a family dinner or a special meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe Casseroles have long been a favorite in many cultures for their simplicity and ability to feed a crowd. This dish combines the best of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and cheese to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a large family or looking for leftovers for the week, this casserole is the perfect choice.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy and Comforting: The melted mozzarella cheese on top adds a rich, gooey texture that complements the savory filling.
- Versatile: This recipe can be made with different meats or even with a vegetarian filling, depending on your preference.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
- Delicious and Hearty: Packed with vegetables, meat, and cheese, this dish will leave you full and satisfied.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Protein: The minced meat and cheese provide a good source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues.
- High in Fiber: Vegetables like carrots, onions, and peppers contribute to the dish’s fiber content, aiding in digestion.
- Calcium-Rich: The cheese provides calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve with Rice or Pasta: You can also serve this casserole over a bed of rice or pasta to make it even more filling.
- Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: Top with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy yogurt-based sauce for extra creaminess.
Cooking Tips
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like gouda, feta, or parmesan for a unique twist on this dish.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight for an even easier dinner the next day.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Casserole: Substitute the meat with lentils, tofu, or beans for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or fresh chilies to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Filling: For a rich, earthy flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to the meat mixture.
Conclusion This cheesy meat and vegetable casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With layers of savory filling, rich sauce, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
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Can I freeze the casserole? Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time if necessary.
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What other vegetables can I use in this casserole? You can use mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even kale for a more veggie-packed casserole.
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Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken? Yes, any ground meat would work great for this recipe, including turkey, beef, or pork.
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Is there a gluten-free version of this casserole? Yes, you can substitute the flour in the batter with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornmeal.
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Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, you can add chili flakes or fresh chili to the filling for some extra heat.
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Can I make this casserole without cheese? Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
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How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Can I make this casserole with pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken in place of the ground meat.
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What can I serve this casserole with? This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad, rice, or a side of crusty bread.