Food is not just sustenance; it’s a story. This Savory Minced Meat and Vegetable Casserole with Sesame Topping combines the hearty comfort of minced meat with vibrant, fresh vegetables for a wholesome dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy both your taste buds and your appetite.

What makes this dish extraordinary is its thoughtful balance of flavors and textures. The seasoned minced meat, paired with garlic and onion, creates a robust base. Spinach, mushrooms, and parsley bring freshness, while creamy melted cheese ensures richness. Potatoes act as the perfect starch to hold it all together. The sesame topping adds an unexpected yet delightful crunch, while soy sauce and paprika enhance the overall flavor profile.

This recipe is not only about taste but also about celebrating the joy of cooking with simple, accessible ingredients. Let’s dive into how to bring this masterpiece to life.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 1 bunch parsley (chopped)
• 1 cup spinach (roughly chopped)
• 150 g mushrooms (sliced)
• 200 g cheese (grated, any melting variety)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 3 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Garnish:

• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 1 tomato (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Paprika for dusting

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Cook the Minced Meat: Add the minced meat to the skillet. Stir in paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking up any lumps as it cooks.
3. Incorporate Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, and parsley to the skillet. Stir for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and their flavors meld with the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Base

1. Boil and Mash: Peel and boil the potatoes until tender. Mash them with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). In a greased casserole dish, spread the mashed potatoes as the base layer.
2. Add the Meat Mixture: Spread the cooked minced meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layer.
3. Add the Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the meat layer. Top with breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Step 4: Garnish and Bake

1. Prepare Topping: Mix mayonnaise and vegetable oil in a small bowl. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Sprinkle Sesame Seeds: Add a layer of sesame seeds on top, along with a light dusting of paprika.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 5: Prepare Fresh Garnish

1. Slice Vegetables: While the casserole bakes, slice cucumbers and tomatoes for garnish.
2. Arrange Garnish: Just before serving, arrange the sliced vegetables around the edge of the casserole or on a separate platter.

Step 6: Serve

1. Presentation: Serve the casserole warm with fresh garnish on the side. Optionally, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and extra parsley for a polished look.

Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes