Ingredients

For the Beef Layer:

• Ground beef: 450g / 1 lb
• Shallot (or small yellow onion): 1, finely chopped
• Salt: To taste
• Black pepper: To taste
• Herbes de Provence: 1/2 teaspoon

For the Vegetable Layer:

• Shallot (or small yellow onion): 1, finely chopped
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Carrot: 1 medium, diced
• Minced garlic: 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh or frozen green peas: 1/2 cup
• Fresh or frozen corn: 1/2 cup
• Cooked white rice: 1 1/2 cups
• Cilantro: A handful, chopped (optional)
• Soy sauce: To taste

For the Egg and Cheese Layer:

• Eggs: 5 large
• Pinch of salt: To taste
• Gruyere cheese: 200g / 7 oz, grated

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Sauté the shallot: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped shallot (or onion) and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Cook the ground beef: Add the 450g of ground beef to the skillet with the cooked shallot. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of Herbes de Provence. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
3. Set aside: Once the beef is fully cooked and seasoned, remove it from the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Sauté the second shallot and garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the second finely chopped shallot and cook until softened. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the vegetables: Add the diced carrot to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly tender. Then, add the peas and corn, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until all the vegetables are softened and heated through.
3. Add rice and season: Stir in the cooked white rice (about 1 1/2 cups). Season with salt and soy sauce to taste, and add a handful of chopped cilantro if you like. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg and Cheese Mixture

1. Whisk the eggs: In a medium bowl, crack the 5 large eggs and whisk them together with a pinch of salt until the eggs are smooth and slightly frothy.
2. Grate the cheese: Grate the 200g / 7 oz of Gruyere cheese. Set aside about 1/4 of the cheese for the top layer of the casserole.
3. Combine: Stir the remaining Gruyere cheese into the whisked eggs. The Gruyere will add a rich, creamy texture to the casserole and enhance the overall flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Layer the beef: In a large casserole dish, spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Add the vegetables: Spoon the cooked vegetable and rice mixture over the top of the beef layer, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add the egg and cheese mixture: Pour the egg and Gruyere mixture over the top of the vegetable layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure that the eggs and cheese cover the entire surface.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the reserved Gruyere cheese over the top of the casserole for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
2. Cool slightly: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and serve: Slice the casserole into portions and serve hot. You can garnish it with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread.

Cooking Tips

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole. You can sauté them along with the carrots and shallot.
• Substitute cheese: While Gruyere is ideal for this recipe due to its nutty and creamy flavor, you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella if preferred.
• Make ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just assemble the layers and cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven.
• Gluten-free option: To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free or omit it entirely.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing. Reheat frozen portions in the oven at 180°C (350°F).

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fat: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Calcium: 30% DV
• Iron: 20% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   • Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance the flavor.
2. What other types of cheese can I use?
   • If you don’t have Gruyere, you can use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar. Each cheese will give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture, but all work well.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   • Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or when you need to make a dish ahead of time for a busy day.
4. What can I serve with this casserole?
   • This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted vegetables. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread would also complement the rich, cheesy flavors.
5. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
   • Ensure you don’t overbake the casserole. The egg and cheese mixture should remain soft and slightly creamy. You can also cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking to keep moisture in, removing the foil to brown the top at the end.

Conclusion

This ground beef, vegetable, and Gruyere cheese casserole is a satisfying, hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. The flavorful beef combined with fresh vegetables, rice, and a rich, cheesy topping makes it a comforting and nutritious option that everyone will enjoy. With its simple preparation and ability to make ahead, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices for a personalized dish that suits your tastes. Enjoy this delicious casserole that’s sure to become a household favorite!