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

1. 1. 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.

   2. 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.

   3. 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.

   4. 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.

1. 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!