This casserole and salad recipe combines hearty and nutritious ingredients for a balanced meal. The casserole features layers of creamy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and vegetables, topped with melted cheese. It's baked to perfection and paired with a fresh salad of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, avocado, and mozzarella, dressed with a tangy lemon and mustard vinaigrette. This meal is perfect for any occasion and can be easily adapted to dietary preferences.

Casserole and Salad
Casserole and salad | Myhomemaderecipe.com

This delicious casserole and fresh salad recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Let's dive into the list of ingredients you'll need to create this wonderful dish.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the casserole.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon oregano: Provides a subtle herbaceous note.
  • 1 cup cream: Adds creaminess and a smooth texture.
  • 3 tablespoons flour: Helps to thicken the casserole mixture.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lightness to the casserole.
  • 3 large potatoes: Forms the base layer of the casserole.
  • Olive oil for brushing and frying: Used to cook vegetables and grease the baking dish.
  • 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 1 small carrot, grated: Adds a slight sweetness and texture.
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated: Provides a robust garlic flavor.
  • 16 ounces (500 grams) ground beef: Adds protein and richness.
  • 7 mushrooms, finely chopped: Adds an earthy flavor and texture.
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped: Adds freshness and moisture.
  • 2 ounces (60 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
  • 8 ounces (250 grams) cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), grated: Melts to form a gooey, cheesy top layer.
  • Green salad leaves: Forms the base of the salad.
  • 10 cherry tomatoes, cut into wedges: Adds sweetness and color.
  • 4 mini cucumbers, sliced: Adds crunch and freshness.
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor.
  • Pitted green olives, to taste: Adds a briny, salty flavor.
  • Mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces: Adds creaminess and flavor to the salad.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Crack 3 eggs into a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2:
Pour in 1 cup of cream, then add 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and fry until golden brown.
Step 5:
Add the grated carrot and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes.
Step 6:
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.
Step 7:
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.
Step 8:
Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Step 9:
Place the boiled potatoes in the baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 ounces (60 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 10:
Add the ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes.
Step 11:
Pour the egg, flour, and cream mixture over everything.
Step 12:
Sprinkle with 8 ounces (250 grams) of grated cheese.
Step 13:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
Step 14:
For 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.
Step 15:
Tear mozzarella cheese into pieces and add to the salad.
Step 16:
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.
Step 17:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve this dish hot with a side of the fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Helpful Notes

  • For added flavor, consider adding diced sausage, onions, celery, or dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture.
  • If you prefer a different vegetable, you can substitute the green beans with broccoli, carrots, or peas.
  • This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd or to have additional leftovers.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste as desired.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests seasoning the chicken well with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
  • Chef Ina Garten recommends using homemade stuffing mix for a more personalized touch.
  • Chef Jamie Oliver advises adding a splash of white wine to the stuffing mixture for extra depth of flavor.
Casserole and Salad
Casserole and Salad | Myhomemaderecipe.com