Delicious Savory Meat and Vegetable Casserole

Delicious Savory Meat and Vegetable Casserole
This hearty, comforting casserole is a perfect dish for family dinners, especially on Sundays! With a flavorful mixture of ground meat, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this recipe will surely become a household favorite. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and packed with savory goodness.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Times

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6 servings
Cuisine This recipe draws inspiration from classic Mediterranean and Eastern European dishes that combine meat, vegetables, and creamy sauces in layers, baked to perfection.

Full List of Ingredients

For the Crepes:

2 eggs
1 tsp sugar
500 ml milk
30 g butter
240 g flour
Vegetable oil (for greasing the pan)
For the Meat and Vegetable Filling:

1 onion, finely chopped
450 g ground minced meat (beef, chicken or a mix)
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp oregano
1/2 cup pureed tomatoes
1 tomato, finely chopped
1 carrot, grated
30 g butter
3 tbsp flour
500 ml milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
150 g pizza mozzarella, grated
For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Prepare the Crepes:

In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Add 500 ml of milk and mix until combined.
Gradually add 240 g of flour, whisking continuously. If the dough is too thick, add some warm water to adjust the consistency.
Heat a pan with a little vegetable oil, just enough to grease it, before cooking the first portion of the crepe batter.
Pour a portion of the batter into the pan, swirling it to create a thin, even layer. Cook the crepes on both sides until lightly golden.
Set aside the cooked crepes. You should have enough batter for about 8-10 crepes.
Prepare the Meat and Vegetable Filling:

In a skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until soft.
Add 450 g of beef meat, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and the meat is fully cooked through.
Add 1 finely chopped bell pepper, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp oregano. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers are soft.
Stir in 1/2 cup pureed tomatoes, 1 finely chopped tomato, and 1 grated carrot. Let the mixture cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a separate pan, melt 30 g of butter over low heat.
Add 3 tbsp flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add 500 ml of milk, stirring continuously so that the sauce becomes smooth and free of lumps.
Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a baking dish, layer a few of the crepes on the bottom.
Spread half of the meat and vegetable mixture over the crepes, then pour over a layer of the creamy sauce.
Continue layering the crepes, meat, and sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
Sprinkle 150 g of grated mozzarella cheese on top and garnish with sesame seeds.
Bake the Casserole:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve this delicious casserole hot, perfect for a family dinner or a special meal.
Serve:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe Casseroles have long been a favorite in many cultures for their simplicity and ability to feed a crowd. This dish combines the best of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and cheese to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a large family or looking for leftovers for the week, this casserole is the perfect choice.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy and Comforting: The melted mozzarella cheese on top adds a rich, gooey texture that complements the savory filling.
Versatile: This recipe can be made with different meats or even with a vegetarian filling, depending on your preference.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Delicious and Hearty: Packed with vegetables, meat, and cheese, this dish will leave you full and satisfied.
Health Benefits

Rich in Protein: The minced meat and cheese provide a good source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues.
High in Fiber: Vegetables like carrots, onions, and peppers contribute to the dish’s fiber content, aiding in digestion.
Calcium-Rich: The cheese provides calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Serve with Rice or Pasta: You can also serve this casserole over a bed of rice or pasta to make it even more filling.
Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: Top with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy yogurt-based sauce for extra creaminess.
Cooking Tips

Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like gouda, feta, or parmesan for a unique twist on this dish.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight for an even easier dinner the next day.
Variations to Try

Vegetarian Casserole: Substitute the meat with lentils, tofu, or beans for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or fresh chilies to the filling for a spicy kick.
Mushroom Filling: For a rich, earthy flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to the meat mixture.
Conclusion This cheesy meat and vegetable casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With layers of savory filling, rich sauce, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!