These savory crepes are stuffed with a delicious meat filling made from minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and sesame seeds, these crepes are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. The combination of flavors from the tender crepes, flavorful meat filling, and smooth béchamel sauce is sure to delight your taste buds.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Crepes:
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 240 grams of flour
- 30 grams butter, melted
- Warm water, as needed to adjust dough consistency
- Vegetable oil, for greasing the pan
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 450 grams of minced meat
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 cup pureed tomatoes
- 1 fresh tomato, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 30 grams butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 500 ml milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Assembly:
- 150 grams pizza mozzarella, grated
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Crepes:
- Mix the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, a pinch of salt, and sugar. Gradually add milk while whisking. Sift in the flour in portions, whisking until smooth. Adjust with warm water if the batter is too thick. Stir in the melted butter.
- Cook the Crepes: Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with oil. Pour enough batter to cover the bottom of the pan thinly. Cook each side until golden, then set aside. (Grease the pan only before the first crepe.)
- Cook the Meat Filling:
- Sauté the Onion: In a pan, sauté the onion until soft.
- Cook the Meat: Add the minced meat, breaking up lumps, and cook until browned.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add pureed and fresh tomatoes along with the grated carrot. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Crepes:
- Place a crepe on a flat surface, spoon some of the meat filling onto the center, and roll it up.
- Lay the filled crepes in a baking dish. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with grated mozzarella.
- Bake at 180°C (355°F) for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens or arugula.
- Pair with a tangy yogurt or sour cream dip for extra flavor.
- Enjoy as a main dish for a hearty dinner.
- Serve with some roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.
- These crepes make a great dish for a family gathering or special occasion.
Cooking Tips:
- Be sure to cook the crepes on medium heat to avoid burning them while ensuring they are cooked through.
- Adjust the filling seasoning to your taste. You can add chili flakes for a bit of heat or other spices to complement the flavor.
- If you have extra béchamel sauce, it can be used as a dip for bread or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Crepes: A source of protein from eggs, and calcium from milk and butter.
- Meat Filling: Provides protein from minced meat, fiber and vitamins from vegetables.
- Béchamel Sauce: Contains healthy fats from butter and is a good source of calcium.
Dietary Information:
- Contains gluten and dairy.
- Can be made dairy-free by substituting plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Storage:
- Store any leftover crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (355°F) for 10 minutes or microwave for a couple of minutes until warm.
- The filling can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and used for sandwiches or other dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- These savory crepes are a satisfying and indulgent meal.
- The combination of creamy béchamel sauce, savory meat filling, and mozzarella is mouthwatering.
- This recipe can be customized with your favorite fillings or cheese varieties.
- It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Conclusion:
These savory crepes are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress anyone. The soft crepes, flavorful meat filling, and rich béchamel sauce come together to make a comforting and filling dish. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and make for a great way to enjoy a hearty meal. Whether for a family dinner or special occasion, these crepes are sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like lentils or tofu. - Can I make the crepes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the crepes and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before filling and assembling. - Can I freeze the assembled crepes?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked assembled crepes. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and bake them straight from the freezer. - What can I substitute for mozzarella?
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, gouda, or fontina. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free. - What can I serve these crepes with?
These crepes are great with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of mashed potatoes. - Can I use other vegetables in the meat filling?
Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the meat filling for added texture and flavor. - How can I make the béchamel sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, you can cook it for a few more minutes to reduce it, or add more flour to thicken it. - How do I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave. - Can I add spices to the béchamel sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne for extra flavor.