This Meat & Vegetable Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort food and nutritious ingredients. Packed with ground pork and beef, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese, this dish is both hearty and flavorful. Topped with a golden-brown Mozzarella crust and served with a refreshing Greek yogurt dill sauce, it’s an excellent choice for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 large eggs
- Spring onion, chopped
- 200 grams cheese, grated
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- ½ red pepper, diced
- ½ green pepper, diced
- 600-800 grams mixed pork and beef, ground
- Butter for greasing
- 100 grams Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper mixture, to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
For the Creamy Dill Sauce
- 200 grams Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper mixture, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and spring onion, and sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Cook the Vegetables – Add the diced potatoes, carrots, red pepper, and green pepper to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Brown the Meat – Add the ground pork and beef to the pan. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and a pepper mixture to taste.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Prepare the Egg Mixture – In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated cheese. Pour this over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine.
- Layer the Casserole – Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Top with chopped tomatoes and grated Mozzarella cheese for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole – Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dill Sauce
- Mix the Ingredients – In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Chill & Serve – Let the sauce sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve on the side or drizzled over the casserole for extra creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
History & Inspiration
This meat and vegetable casserole is inspired by traditional French cuisine, known for its hearty, layered dishes that make the most of available ingredients. French country cooking has long relied on casseroles to create one-pot meals that are both nutrient-dense and satisfying. Over time, this type of dish has evolved into a favorite worldwide, with variations appearing in American, Eastern European, and Mediterranean cuisines. This version brings together classic French techniques with modern flavors, creating a wholesome and balanced meal that suits both family dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Protein-Packed & Filling – The combination of pork, beef, eggs, and cheese makes this a satisfying high-protein meal.
✔ Loaded with Vegetables – Packed with potatoes, peppers, carrots, and tomatoes for a nutritious boost.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or making in advance for busy weeknights.
✔ Customizable – Easily swap ingredients based on seasonal veggies or personal preferences.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad – Serve with a fresh green salad with vinaigrette for balance.
- With a Crusty Baguette – A slice of warm, crusty bread pairs beautifully with this dish.
- With Rice or Quinoa – Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for extra heartiness.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that may prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Let the Casserole Rest – Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving to help it set.
- Make It Spicier – Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Swap the Meat – Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Cooking with Kids – A Fun Family Activity!
This casserole is a great recipe to make with kids! They can:
👩🍳 Help wash and chop vegetables (with supervision).
🧀 Grate the cheese and mix ingredients.
🥚 Whisk the eggs and sprinkle cheese on top.
This makes cooking a fun, interactive experience while teaching kids healthy eating habits!
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the meat for lentils, mushrooms, and chickpeas.
- Mexican-Inspired – Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning, then top with Monterey Jack cheese.
- Low-Carb Version – Replace potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini.
Conclusion
This Meat & Vegetable Casserole with Creamy Dill Sauce is a versatile, hearty, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender meat, colorful veggies, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will love. Serve it fresh out of the oven with a side salad or warm bread, and enjoy a homemade, satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? – Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers? – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? – Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers? – Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Try this delicious, comforting casserole today – it’s sure to be a hit! 🍲🧀🔥