A savory and satisfying dish that brings together a rich meat filling, savory pancakes, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special occasion, this Meat and Pancake Bake offers layers of comfort food flavors that everyone will love. It’s a delicious combination of savory and cheesy goodness wrapped in a perfect golden-brown crust. Plus, it’s customizable and adaptable, allowing you to tweak it to your taste.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Cuisine
This dish can be classified as a comfort food casserole with European influences, particularly from countries that love savory bakes and meat dishes, such as Italy and France.
Full List of Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 700 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 100 g tomato sauce
- Salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and sweet paprika to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Pancake Batter:
- 400 g flour
- 10 chicken eggs
- 250 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Water or milk as needed (to achieve a smooth, pourable batter)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 30 g butter
- 30 g flour
- 500 ml milk
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook the meat until it is browned and cooked through.
Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato sauce and season it with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and sweet paprika to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Set this mixture aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the components.
2. Make the Pancake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and eggs. Slowly add water or milk to the mixture, stirring until the batter becomes smooth and pourable. The consistency should be similar to that of pancake batter. Adjust the water or milk as necessary to achieve the right consistency.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Pour enough batter into the pan to cover the bottom. Cook the pancake until the edges start to lift and the surface begins to set, then flip the pancake and cook for an additional minute. Repeat the process until you’ve used up all the batter, stacking the pancakes as you go.
3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and stir it constantly for about 1 minute to cook the raw taste of the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep cooking the sauce until it thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Once thickened, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or butter. Start by layering the bottom of the dish with one of the pancakes. Then, add a layer of the meat mixture and a generous sprinkling of grated mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process, layering the pancakes, meat filling, and cheese until all ingredients are used up. Finish with a final pancake on top.
Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top of the layers, spreading it out with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra cheesiness. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve:
Once the bake is done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice. Serve hot with a side salad or your favorite vegetable dish for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400-500 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
The concept of layering savory ingredients like pancakes or flatbreads with fillings is common in many European and Middle Eastern cuisines. The addition of a béchamel sauce is particularly popular in French and Italian dishes, where creamy sauces elevate the flavors of baked casseroles and gratins. This dish takes inspiration from those classic layers but adds a modern twist with the use of pancakes instead of traditional pasta or bread layers.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of layers of pancakes, savory meat filling, and creamy béchamel sauce is a meal that provides a warm, comforting experience.
- Customizable: You can switch out the meat for vegetables or a different type of protein to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for families, offering flavors that everyone will enjoy, including kids.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it later, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Health Benefits
- Protein-Rich: With the inclusion of meat, eggs, and cheese, this dish provides a good amount of protein to help with muscle repair and growth.
- Calcium and Vitamins: The dairy products in this recipe, including mozzarella and béchamel, provide calcium, which is essential for bone health, while the vegetables add vitamins and minerals to the mix.
- Carbohydrates: The pancakes offer a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy and help with sustaining energy throughout the day.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Pair this hearty dish with a fresh green salad, tossed in a light vinaigrette, to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
- Garlic Bread: Add a slice of garlic bread or a crusty baguette for some extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- This Meat and Pancake Bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar to balance the richness of the dish.
- Serve with a glass of red wine for a hearty dinner, or offer some crusty bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Cooking Tips
- Use lean meat: If you’re using pork or beef for the meat filling, opt for lean cuts to avoid excess fat.
- Layer well: Make sure to layer the ingredients evenly, ensuring each bite has a bit of everything: meat, cheese, and pancake.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes to set the layers before slicing. This helps the flavors meld and prevents the layers from falling apart.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian version: Swap the meat filling for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian alternative.
- Herbed béchamel: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the béchamel sauce for extra flavor.
- Different cheeses: Mix up the cheese by adding parmesan or goat cheese for a different twist on the flavor profile.
Conclusion This Meat and Pancake Bake is an incredibly satisfying dish that combines the best elements of comfort food: crispy pancakes, savory meat, and creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a great option for family dinners or special gatherings and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Try it out for a meal that’s sure to impress everyone around the table.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use a different type of meat for the filling? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian option.
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Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
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Can I freeze this bake? Yes, you can freeze the assembled bake before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
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How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
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Can I use store-bought pancake mix? Yes, you can use store-bought pancake mix if you want to save time. Just follow the instructions on the package for the batter consistency.
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Can I add more vegetables to the filling? Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
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What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese? You can use cheddar, provolone, or gouda cheese in place of mozzarella for a different flavor.
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Can I use a different type of sauce instead of béchamel? Yes, you could try using tomato sauce or even a creamy cheese sauce for a different twist.
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Is there a way to make the crust extra crispy? You can pre-cook the pancake batter slightly in the pan before layering it in the casserole to get an extra crispy texture.
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What can I serve this with? This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.