cheesy baked meat patties casserole

Here’s a detailed recipe for Cheesy Baked Meat Patties Casserole! This is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, and it combines the savory goodness of meat patties with creamy cheese and rich flavors. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Patties:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey (you can use any meat you prefer)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Casserole:

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (you can use more if you like it extra cheesy)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk

• 1 tbsp dried basil (optional)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 small bell pepper (optional), diced

• 1 cup spinach or kale (optional, for some greens)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Meat Patties:

• Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix.

• Shape the patties: Take small portions of the mixture and form them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. This recipe should yield around 8-10 patties, depending on size.

• Cook the patties: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Assemble the casserole: In a large casserole dish (about 9×13 inches), spread the drained diced tomatoes evenly on the bottom. If you’re adding spinach or bell peppers, sprinkle them evenly over the tomatoes.

• Layer the patties: Arrange the cooked meat patties in a single layer on top of the tomatoes. If they don’t fit perfectly, you can overlap them slightly.

• Add the cream and cheese: Pour the heavy cream (or milk) evenly over the patties, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top. Make sure the cheese covers the patties completely.

• Season: Sprinkle the casserole with dried basil for extra flavor if you like.

3. Bake the Casserole:

• Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until everything is hot and the cheese starts to melt.

• Uncover and broil (optional): For a crispy, golden cheese topping, remove the foil during the last 5-7 minutes and switch your oven to broil. Watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.

4. Serve:

• Garnish: Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the cheesy meat patties casserole with a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables (broccoli or green beans go really well with this).

• You could also pair it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness.

Tips:

• You can add any vegetables you like to the casserole—zucchini, mushrooms, or even some corn for extra texture.

• If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a bit of chili flakes or jalapeños to the meat mixture or sprinkle on top before baking.