Savory Layered Egg & Beef Bake with Mixed Vegetables

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Savory Layered Egg & Beef Bake with Mixed Vegetables
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This Savory Layered Egg & Beef Bake combines fluffy eggs, tender potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and seasoned ground beef into a satisfying one-dish meal. With layers of sliced potatoes, a creamy egg-milk custard, and a hearty filling of onions, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, bell pepper, and spiced ground meat—all topped with melted mozzarella—this bake delivers comfort-food flavors and balanced nutrition. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, brunches, or meal prep, it brings together pantry staples in an elegant casserole that’s sure to please every palate.

Cooking Time

  • Preparation: 25 minutes

  • Assembly: 10 minutes

  • Baking: 30 minutes

  • Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • Custard & Binder:

    • 2 large eggs

    • 2 cups milk

    • ½ cup water

    • ½ lb (≈227 g) all-purpose flour

    • 1 tsp salt (for eggs)

    • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

    • 1 tbsp olive oil

    • 1 oz (28 g) butter

    • 1 oz (28 g) flour (for roux)

  • Vegetable & Beef Layer:

    • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

    • 1 tbsp olive oil

    • 1 onion, chopped

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 carrot, diced

    • ½ lb (≈225 g) mushrooms, sliced

    • 1 lb (≈450 g) ground beef

    • 1 red bell pepper, diced

    • 2 tsp salt (for layer)

    • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

    • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • Cheese Topping:

    • 0.3 lb (≈140 g) hard mozzarella, grated

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat & Prep Bakeware
    Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Grease a 9×13″ (or similar) baking dish with butter or oil.

  2. Parboil Potatoes
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potato slices and cook 3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside on paper towels.

  3. Make the Roux
    In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 oz flour and cook 1 minute until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and ½ cup water until smooth. Season with 1 tsp salt and pepper. Simmer 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

  4. Sauté Vegetables
    In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium. Add onion and carrot; sauté 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute. Add mushrooms and bell pepper; cook 3 minutes until veggies release moisture.

  5. Brown the Beef
    Push vegetables to one side; add ground beef to skillet. Season with 2 tsp salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, breaking up meat, until no longer pink. Stir vegetables back in and remove from heat.

  6. Layer the Casserole
    Arrange half the potatoes in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half the beef-vegetable mixture evenly over potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef mixture.

  7. Add Custard & Flour
    Whisk together 2 eggs and the prepared milk roux until fully combined. Pour gently over layered potatoes and beef. This custard soaks between layers, binding the bake.

  8. Top with Cheese & Bake
    Sprinkle grated mozzarella evenly across the top. Place dish in preheated oven and bake 30 minutes, until custard is set and cheese is melted and golden.

  9. Rest & Serve
    Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving; makes 6 servings)
Calories: 480 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Carbs: 38 g | Fat: 26 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sodium: 920 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This layered bake fuses influences from French gratins and Italian frittatas—egg-based casseroles that originated as peasant dishes, making use of seasonal vegetables and eggs. In many cultures, combining thin potato slices with a custard binder evolved into shepherd’s and cottage pie variants, often featuring meat. The global rise of one-dish bakes stems from their simplicity, adaptability, and ability to feed a crowd with little cleanup, making them staples in home kitchens worldwide.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

  • All-in-One Meal: Combines protein, starch, and vegetables.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Comforting flavors with cheesy top appeal.

  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Reheats well for lunches or dinners.

  • Customizable: Swap meats, cheeses, or veggies as desired.

Health Benefits

  • Eggs & Milk: Provide complete protein, calcium, and vitamins.

  • Vegetables: Mushrooms, peppers, carrots, and onions offer vitamins A, C, and fiber.

  • Potatoes: Rich in potassium and resistant starch for gut health.

  • Lean Beef: Supplies iron and B vitamins essential for energy.

Serving Suggestions

  • Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances richness.

  • Bread: Warm crusty bread to soak up custard juices.

  • Sauce: A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce adds tang or heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overlayering: Keep potato layers single thickness for even cooking.

  • Skipping Rest: Allow bake to set before slicing to avoid collapse.

  • Lumpy Custard: Whisk roux and eggs thoroughly to prevent flour pockets.

Pairing Recommendations

  • Wine: Medium-bodied red (Merlot) or crisp white (Chardonnay).

  • Beer: Malt-balanced amber ale or a light lager.

  • Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or iced tea.

Cooking Tips

  • Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for potatoes and veggies.

  • Meat Alternatives: Substitute turkey or sausage for beef.

  • Cheese Blends: Combine mozzarella with cheddar or Gruyère for depth.

  • Spice Variations: Add chili flakes or cumin for heat.

Similar Recipes to Try

  • Shepherd’s Pie: Ground meat and veggies under mashed potato.

  • Spanish Tortilla: Potatoes and onions bound by eggs on stovetop.

  • Vegetable Strata: Bread, eggs, and vegetables layered for brunch.

Variations to Try

  • Mexican: Add black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese; top with cilantro.

  • Greek: Use spinach, feta, and oregano; stir in olives.

  • Italian: Layer zucchini and eggplant with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked Paprika
Adds a gentle smokiness and warmth without heat, enhancing the savory depth of beef and vegetables throughout the bake.

Conclusion

This Savory Layered Egg & Beef Bake with Mixed Vegetables is an adaptable, flavorful casserole that brings warmth and comfort to your table. With its easy assembly, balanced ingredients, and cheesy finish, it will quickly earn a spot in your weeknight rotation and shine at weekend brunches. Enjoy the layers of taste and texture—every bite is a little culinary hug!

FAQ

  1. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
    Yes—assemble, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hrs; bake from chilled, adding 5 min.

  2. What’s the best way to slice potatoes?
    A mandoline ensures uniform thickness; otherwise use a sharp knife.

  3. Can I make it gluten-free?
    Substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the custard.

  4. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Rewarm in a 180 °C oven for 10 min or microwave individual portions.

  5. Can I freeze this bake?
    Freeze assembled but unbaked; thaw and bake as directed.

  6. What cheese melts best?
    Mozzarella offers stretch; Gruyère or fontina add nuttiness.

  7. How can I add more veggies?
    Fold in diced zucchini, spinach, or peas to beef mixture.

  8. Why add flour to custard?
    Creates a stable creamy binder that holds layers together.

  9. Can I use ground turkey?
    Yes—turkey or chicken works well for leaner bake.

  10. What if I don’t have a casserole dish?
    Use an oven-safe skillet or cake pan of similar size, adjusting bake time slightly.

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