This Savory Pumpkin and Meat Casserole is a hearty, layered dish that combines the delicate sweetness of pumpkin with the savory flavors of minced meat, mushrooms, and spices. With the creamy texture of semolina and milk, this casserole delivers a delicious medley of flavors and textures, making it a perfect comfort meal for fall or winter. This recipe takes a creative approach to using pumpkin in a savory dish, balancing spices like smoked paprika and curry to give it a warm, complex taste. Let’s dive into this unique, nourishing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Semolina Layer:

• 1/2 kg pumpkin (peeled and cubed)
• 100 grams of semolina
• 150 ml milk
• 1 egg
• 60 grams of butter
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Meat and Vegetable Layer:

• 300 grams minced meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 200 grams mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 carrot (grated)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• A bunch of parsley (chopped)
• Oil (for cooking)
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Provencal herbs

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Layer

1. Cook the Pumpkin: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the pumpkin cubes until tender, about 10–15 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Mash and Season: Using a potato masher or fork, mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare Semolina Mixture: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk until warm, then slowly add the semolina, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Combine Pumpkin and Semolina: Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the mashed pumpkin, butter, and egg to the semolina mixture. Stir well until everything is combined and smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Vegetable Layer

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
2. Add Meat and Seasonings: Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with curry powder, smoked paprika, Provencal herbs, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the mushrooms, grated carrot, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the flavors are well combined. Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Layer the Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, start by spreading half of the pumpkin-semolina mixture evenly on the bottom. Then, add the meat and vegetable mixture on top, spreading it out evenly. Finish by covering with the remaining pumpkin-semolina mixture.
3. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve: Slice the casserole and enjoy as a standalone meal or with a side of salad or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Estimated based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Vitamin A: 150% Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 50% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of squash instead of pumpkin?
Yes, you can substitute pumpkin with butternut squash or other sweet, creamy squashes.

2. Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the minced meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.

3. What’s the purpose of semolina in the pumpkin layer?
Semolina adds a creamy, grainy texture that helps bind the pumpkin layer, giving it structure and a delightful mouthfeel.

4. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance, assemble them, and store the casserole in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin and Meat Casserole

1. Season Each Layer Well
To ensure balanced flavor throughout, season each component of the casserole individually. This helps to build a well-rounded, flavorful dish.

2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables Until Tender
Cooking the meat and vegetables before layering helps intensify their flavors and reduces the baking time, ensuring the dish doesn’t become watery.

3. Use High-Quality Butter
Butter adds richness to the pumpkin-semolina layer, so using high-quality butter will enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

4. Experiment with Herbs and Spices
Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. Or, add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to the pumpkin layer for a subtle, warm flavor.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until warm.

Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Adding a touch of water or broth while reheating can help prevent the casserole from drying out.

Conclusion

This Savory Pumpkin and Meat Casserole is a hearty, satisfying meal that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin, minced meat, and savory spices. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that offers an exciting twist on traditional casseroles with its seasonal ingredients and warm spices. Perfect for cozy nights, this casserole is both delicious and nutritious, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners. Plus, it’s versatile and can be adapted for vegetarian preferences or other dietary needs. Enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish and make it a regular addition to your recipe rotation!