This Savory Baked Crepe Casserole combines soft, delicate crepes layered with a rich, seasoned beef filling and creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Crepes
- 3 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 600 ml (2½ cups) milk (added in portions)
- 240 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for cooking
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 40 g (3 tbsp) butter
- 30 g (¼ cup) flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Beef Filling
- 40 g (3 tbsp) butter
- Vegetable oil, for sautéing
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 700 g (1.5 lbs) minced beef
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Dried ground sweet paprika, to taste
- 50 g (3 tbsp) tomato sauce
For the Topping
- 150 g (1½ cups) hard mozzarella cheese, grated
Directions
1. Prepare the Crepes
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and salt until combined.
- Gradually add milk in portions, mixing well.
- Sift in flour and whisk until smooth, lump-free batter forms.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
- Pour a small ladle of batter into the pan, swirling to coat evenly.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Repeat until all batter is used, stacking crepes on a plate.
2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 40 g butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 30 g flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in 500 ml milk, whisking continuously.
- Cook until thickened, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Set aside.
3. Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat butter and vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add minced beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, salt, black pepper, paprika, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with vegetable oil.
- Place a layer of crepes at the bottom.
- Spread a portion of the beef filling, then drizzle some béchamel sauce.
- Repeat layering until all crepes and filling are used.
- Pour remaining béchamel sauce on top.
- Sprinkle generously with grated mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Bake for 35 minutes at 180°C (355°F) until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad.
- Drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce or sour cream.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips
- For extra richness, add grated Parmesan to the béchamel sauce.
- For a spicier version, add chili flakes to the beef filling.
- For more layers, cut crepes in half and overlap when layering.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein from eggs, beef, and cheese.
- Rich in essential vitamins from tomatoes and onions.
- Balanced combination of carbs, fats, and proteins.
Dietary Information
- Not vegetarian (contains beef).
- Can be made gluten-free using gluten-free flour for crepes and béchamel sauce.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month; reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Conclusion
This Savory Baked Crepe Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish, combining the delicacy of crepes with a rich, seasoned beef filling and a creamy béchamel sauce. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is sure to impress! Try it today and enjoy a comforting homemade meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works great.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Try adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Can I use store-bought crepes? Yes! Pre-made crepes save time.
- Can I use a different cheese? Yes! Gouda, cheddar, or Parmesan work well.
- How do I prevent soggy layers? Let the beef filling cool slightly before layering.
- Can I add a crunchy topping? Yes! Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking.
- What if I don’t have béchamel sauce? You can use a mix of cream and cheese instead.
- How do I make it low-carb? Use almond flour crepes instead.
- Can I reheat leftovers? Yes! Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.