This recipe will completely transform your minced meat dinners! Forget dry, bland dishes – this casserole is bursting with flavor and juicy goodness. Plus, it’s packed with hidden vegetables, making it a perfect hidden-veg win for picky eaters.
Minced meat. It’s a dinnertime staple, a fridge-rescue hero, a blank canvas for endless flavor combinations. But let’s face it, sometimes those minced meat meals can fall a little flat. Dry, bland, same-old, same-old. We’ve all been there.
Recently, I found myself staring into the abyss of my fridge, that magical land of questionable leftovers and forlorn vegetables. Minced meat was there, of course, but inspiration was lacking. Then, a lightbulb moment (or maybe a rumbling stomach)! I decided to ditch the expected and create a minced meat masterpiece.
This recipe is the culmination of that fridge-fueled creativity. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, a hidden-veg win for picky eaters (trust me, I’ve tested it!), and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means minimal cleanup – a win for any busy weeknight. So, ditch the dinnertime blues and get ready to experience minced meat like never before!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Flavorful & Juicy: The combination of perfectly browned minced meat and a creamy sauce keeps everything moist and delicious.
- Hidden Veggies: Shredded cabbage and carrot add sweetness and nutrients without being overpowering.
- Easy One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single baking tray, making cleanup a breeze.
- Kid-Friendly: This casserole is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 600 g (21 oz) cabbage, thinly shredded
- 150 g (5.3 oz) carrot, grated
- 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 5 g (0.2 oz) salt
- 500 g (18 oz) minced meat
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 100 g (3.5 oz) bread crumbs
For the Sauce:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 10 ml (0.3 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 30 g (1.1 oz) butter
- 100 g (3.5 oz) flour
- 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) chicken broth
- 150 g (5.3 oz) cooking cream
- 5 g (0.2 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 50 g (1.8 oz) parmesan cheese, grated
- 150 g (5.3 oz) cheddar cheese, grated (or your favorite cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 39 x 39 cm baking tray.
- Prepare the veggies: Heat 20 ml vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large bowl.
- Brown the meat: Add another 10 ml of vegetable oil to the same pan. Increase heat to medium-high and cook the minced meat until browned all over. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine the filling: Add the browned meat, cooked vegetables, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs to the bowl with the cooked veggies. Mix well to combine.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
- Make the sauce: While the casserole bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour: Gradually whisk in the flour, cooking for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the cooking cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another minute, until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the final dish: Remove the baking tray from the oven. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top of the baked meat mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese).
- Bake again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. So ditch the boring minced meat dishes and try this flavorful and satisfying casserole!
