Vegetable and Meat Casserole

This delicious and hearty casserole combines tender potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and savory minced meat, topped with melty cheese triangles. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal any day of the week.

Preparation Time:

  • Total: 50 minutes
  • Prep: 20 minutes
  • Cook: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 800 g potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1 spring onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • Some coriander, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 300 g minced meat
  • 3 triangles of cheese
  • 3 eggs, beaten

Directions:

Prepare the Vegetables:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped spring onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the grated carrots to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Minced Meat:

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced meat. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Assemble the Casserole:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and minced meat. Mix well.
  2. Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until evenly combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  4. Break the cheese triangles into smaller pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake:

  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.

Serve:

  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped coriander before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • It also pairs well with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls.

Cooking Tips:

  • You can use any type of cheese that melts well if you don’t have cheese triangles.
  • For extra flavor, add some chopped garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sautéed vegetables.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • This casserole provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
  • It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet.

Dietary Information:

  • This recipe contains meat and dairy. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the minced meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients, especially the cheese triangles, are gluten-free.

Storage:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
  • The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful vegetables, and savory meat topped with melted cheese is irresistible.
  • It’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite ingredients.

Conclusion:

This Vegetable and Meat Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please the whole family. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a great addition to your dinner rotation. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for a comforting meal!