Savory Beef Lasagna Casserole

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Ground Beef Filling

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
700 g (1.5 lbs) ground beef
2 tomatoes, chopped
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp (8 g) paprika
2 sachets tomato sauce (about 400 g / 14 oz)
Chopped parsley, to taste
250 ml (1 cup) water

Pancake Batter

2 eggs
3 tbsp (45 ml) oil
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose wheat flour (without yeast)
Salt, to taste

White Sauce

2 tbsp (30 g) butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose wheat flour (without yeast)
500 ml (2 cups) whole milk
Nutmeg, to taste
Salt, to taste

Assembly

150 g (5.3 oz) cooked beef (from filling)
300 g (10.6 oz) mozzarella, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

To begin our savory journey, we heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, we add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and release their aromatic qualities. Next, we introduce the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart as it cooks. We cook the beef until it is thoroughly browned, ensuring it is crumbly and flavorful.

Once the beef is cooked, we stir in the chopped tomatoes, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the tomato sauce and add 250 ml of water to create a rich mixture. We allow this to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, which thickens the sauce and melds the flavors together beautifully. Finally, we fold in the chopped parsley, adding a fresh touch before setting the mixture aside.

2. Make the Pancake Batter

In a separate mixing bowl or a blender, we combine the eggs, oil, whole milk, and flour. A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavor. We blend or whisk this mixture until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. This batter will serve as the unique base of our casserole, providing a delightful contrast to the savory beef filling.

3. Prepare the White Sauce

Moving on to the creamy white sauce, we melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, we add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. We then sprinkle in the flour, stirring to create a roux, which we cook for about one minute. Gradually, we whisk in the milk, ensuring we stir continuously to avoid lumps. As the mixture thickens, we season it with a touch of nutmeg and salt, creating a velvety sauce that will bind our layers together.

4. Assemble the Casserole

With our components ready, we preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). We take a greased baking dish and start by spreading a layer of the pancake batter across the bottom. Following this, we add a generous layer of the cooked beef filling, ensuring even distribution. We then drizzle a portion of the white sauce over the beef, adding richness to each bite.

We continue this layering process: another layer of pancake batter, followed by beef filling, and a drizzle of white sauce. We repeat these layers until we reach the top of the dish, finishing with a final layer of white sauce. To crown our creation, we generously sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top, ensuring it will melt into a golden, bubbly layer during baking.

5. Bake and Serve

We place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. During this time, the cheese melts and turns golden, while the flavors meld beautifully. Once baked, we allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting it set slightly for easier serving. Just before serving, we garnish with extra chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Nutrition Information

This Savory Beef Lasagna Casserole serves approximately 6-8 portions. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 600 mg