Looking for a quick, nutritious, and hearty dinner that pleases the whole family? This mixed veggie and beef bake is a perfect choice. It’s a simple chop, mix, and bake recipe that combines the goodness of vegetables with the rich flavor of ground beef, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 500 grams of potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 50 grams of ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of oregano
- 1 tablespoon of spicy paprika
- 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 100 milliliters of water
- 200 grams of mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop and Grate Vegetables: Begin by chopping the potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and bell pepper. Grate the carrot after peeling it. Ensure all vegetables are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Prepare Garlic: Chop the garlic cloves finely.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
- Combine in a Bowl: Add the chopped potatoes, tomatoes, onions, grated carrot, bell pepper, ground beef, and garlic into a large mixing bowl.
- Season and Add Sauce: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, oregano, and spicy paprika. Add the tomato sauce and olive oil.
- Add Water: Pour in the 100 milliliters of water to help with the cooking process.
Step 3: Mix Thoroughly
- Mix Well: Using your hands, a spatula, or a large spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure the seasonings and tomato sauce coat all the vegetables and meat evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam, which helps cook the vegetables evenly.
- Initial Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
- Add Cheese: After 50 minutes, remove the foil. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the vegetable and meat mixture.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve Hot: Once the bake is ready, remove it from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Plate Up: Serve generous portions of this delicious bake on plates and invite your family to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Chopping: Make sure to chop all vegetables to a similar size for even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Cheese Variety: While mozzarella adds a wonderful flavor, you can use a mix of cheeses for a richer taste.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even chickpeas for added protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for an extra spicy kick.
- Different Proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Health Benefits
- Nutrient-Rich: This dish is packed with vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Protein: Ground beef adds a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Low Carb Option: For a lower carb version, replace potatoes with cauliflower or other low-carb vegetables.
This mixed veggie and beef bake is a perfect example of a simple yet delicious meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. It’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, and the melted mozzarella cheese on top makes it irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just for yourself, this recipe is a winner.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the vegetable and meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, follow the instructions from the baking step.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the baked dish. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. What can I serve with this bake? This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs well with a fresh salad or some crusty bread.
Enjoy making and savoring this easy, delicious mixed veggie and beef bake. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
