Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 lb. Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp. butter, melted
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
3. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese, bread crumbs, and melted butter.
6. Spread half of the beef mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the beef.
8. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and cheese mixture.
9. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 380
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Use diced chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add cooked rice to the beef mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef before adding the vegetables.
- Use a cheese grater to grate the Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese.
- Serve the casserole with a side salad or crusty bread.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the casserole on a large platter with a garnish of fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Pair with a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese on top of the casserole is not melted and bubbly after 30 minutes, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese is a traditional Serbian cheese that is made from sheep's milk. It is named after the city of Pirot in southeastern Serbia.
Flavor profiles:
The Pirotski Kačkavalj cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor to the casserole, while the paprika and vegetables add a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the casserole hot with a side salad or crusty bread.
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Region: Bulgarian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Rich, Comforting