Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Casserole with Fresh Salad

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Today, we’re preparing a delicious and hearty casserole layered with potatoes, 
ground beef, and vegetables, all topped with a creamy egg mixture and melted cheese. 
Paired with a fresh and vibrant salad, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 45 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 Minutes
  • Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

Ingredients for Casserole

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 cup cream
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 large potatoes
  • Olive oil for brushing and frying
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 16 ounces (500 grams) ground beef
  • 7 mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped
  • 2 ounces (60 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 8 ounces (250 grams) cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), grated

Ingredients for Salad

  • Green salad leaves
  • 10 cherry tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 4 mini cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • Pitted green olives, to taste
  • Mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces

Ingredients for Salad Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice from half a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano

Directions for Casserole

  1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
    • Crack 3 eggs into a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Whisk until smooth.
    • Pour in 1 cup of cream, then add 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Peel and dice 3 large potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, stir, and cook until just tender. Drain and let cool.
  3. Cook the Vegetables and Beef:
    • Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and fry until golden brown.
    • Add the grated carrot and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes.
    • Add 16 ounces of ground beef and cook until browned. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and bell pepper, and cook until softened. Stir in the finely chopped tomato.
    • Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
    • Place the boiled potatoes in the baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 ounces (60 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Add the ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes.
    • Pour the egg, flour, and cream mixture over everything.
    • Sprinkle with 8 ounces (250 grams) of grated cheese.
  5. Bake the Casserole:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.

Directions for Salad

  1. Prepare the Salad:
    • Place green salad leaves in a large bowl.
    • Add 10 cherry tomatoes, 4 mini cucumbers, 1 finely chopped bell pepper, 1 chopped avocado, 1 small finely chopped shallot, and pitted green olives to taste.
    • Tear mozzarella cheese into pieces and add to the salad.
  2. Prepare the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice from half a lemon, 1 teaspoon of mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Mix well.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the casserole hot with the fresh salad on the side.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure all vegetables are finely chopped for even cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste as desired.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Eggs and Cheese: Provide protein and essential nutrients.
  • Vegetables: Offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Ground Beef: Adds protein and iron.
  • Cream: Adds richness and a smooth texture.

Dietary Information

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour and baking powder.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and filling, perfect for family meals.
  • Combines a variety of flavors and textures.
  • Easy to prepare and customize with your favorite ingredients.

Conclusion

This comforting and flavorful casserole, paired with a fresh and vibrant salad, is a delicious meal that will satisfy the whole family. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious recipe and share it with your loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.
  2. What can I use instead of cream? You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
  4. How do I make the casserole dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based milk alternative in place of cream.
  5. Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
  6. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  7. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a different flavor and additional nutrients.
  8. What kind of cheese works best for the topping? Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses will work well.
  9. How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery? Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the vegetables before layering them in the casserole.
  10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free flour and baking powder to make it gluten-free.

Enjoy cooking this delicious casserole and salad, and thank you for joining me in the kitchen today! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!

 

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