If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish that combines the goodness of zucchini with the rich flavors of minced meat, this baked zucchini and minced meat casserole is perfect for you. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It’s ideal for a weekend meal when you want something comforting and nutritious. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe that will soon become a staple in your home.
Why This Recipe?
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients. In this recipe, we combine it with minced meat, carrots, onions, and cheese to create a casserole that’s rich in flavor and texture. The addition of herbs and spices enhances the taste, making this dish a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious baked zucchini and minced meat casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- Zucchini: 3 pcs. (750 g)
- Carrot: 1 pc.
- Onion: 1 pc.
- Sugar: 1/3 tsp
- Dill: A small bunch
- Minced Meat: 500 g (you can use any minced meat; minced pork and beef are great choices)
- Eggs: 2 pcs.
- Dried Garlic: 1 tsp
- Black Ground Pepper and Salt: To taste
- Cheese: 50-60 g
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate the Zucchini: Start by grating the zucchini on a coarse grater. Grating the zucchini helps it blend well with the other ingredients and cook evenly.
- Add Salt: Add a pinch of salt to the grated zucchini and mix well. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to release the juice. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess moisture from the zucchini, preventing the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Squeeze the Zucchini: After the zucchini has rested, squeeze it to remove the excess liquid. You can use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth for this step. Squeezing out the moisture ensures that the casserole has the right texture.
Prepare the Carrot and Onion
- Grate the Carrot: Grate the carrot on a coarse grater. The carrot adds a slight sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish.
- Dice the Onion: Dice the onion into small cubes. Onions add a rich flavor base to the casserole.
- Fry the Onion: Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and fry until soft and translucent. Adding a bit of sugar while frying enhances the onion’s natural sweetness and flavor.
Chop the Dill
- Chop the Dill: Finely chop a small bunch of dill. Fresh dill adds a burst of herby flavor and a touch of color to the casserole.
Mix the Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated and squeezed zucchini, grated carrot, fried onion, chopped dill, and minced meat.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the bowl. The eggs help bind the ingredients together, ensuring the casserole holds its shape.
- Season: Add the dried garlic, black ground pepper, and salt to taste. These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Mix Well: Mix all the ingredients well until they are evenly distributed. This ensures that each bite of the casserole is full of flavor.
Prepare the Baking Dish
- Grease the Dish: Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish and makes it easier to serve.
- Transfer the Mixture: Transfer the zucchini and minced meat mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
Bake the Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Proper preheating ensures that the casserole bakes evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. This allows the ingredients to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cheese: After 30 minutes of baking, grate the cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole. Continue baking for the remaining 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve the Casserole
- Cool Slightly: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Serve Hot: Serve the baked zucchini and minced meat casserole hot. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.
Tips for Success
- Squeeze the Zucchini Well: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Even Mixing: Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutritional Benefits
This baked zucchini and minced meat casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Rich in Protein: The minced meat provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- High in Fiber: Zucchini and carrots are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: This dish is rich in vitamins A and C from the vegetables, as well as essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
This baked zucchini and minced meat casserole is a fantastic recipe to add to your weekend meal rotation. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and provides a well-balanced meal. The combination of tender zucchini, savory minced meat, and melted cheese is irresistible. Try this recipe and enjoy a delicious, comforting dish that your family will love!
Additional Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious options: