Are you tired of the same old boring dinner recipes? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mind-blowing culinary creation that combines the unexpected crunch of cucumbers with savory, perfectly seasoned minced meat! This isn't just another casserole - it's a flavor explosion that will transform your dinner table and have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a dish that's easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort food recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1 pound minced meat (beef or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced meat (beef or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with the cooked minced meat mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the cucumber and meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring an even layer covers the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well, then sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the Cucumber and Minced Meat Casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. Avoid overripe or soft cucumbers that might make your casserole watery.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like beef and pork, or try ground lamb for a more exotic taste.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to achieve a golden, crunchy bread crumb layer.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey and low-fat cheese without compromising on taste.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a bright, fresh finish when sprinkled on top just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
