Savory Minced Meat and Vegetable Casserole with Sesame Topping

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Cook the Minced Meat: Add the minced meat to the skillet. Stir in paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking up any lumps as it cooks.
3. Incorporate Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, and parsley to the skillet. Stir for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and their flavors meld with the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Base

1. Boil and Mash: Peel and boil the potatoes until tender. Mash them with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). In a greased casserole dish, spread the mashed potatoes as the base layer.
2. Add the Meat Mixture: Spread the cooked minced meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layer.
3. Add the Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the meat layer. Top with breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Step 4: Garnish and Bake

1. Prepare Topping: Mix mayonnaise and vegetable oil in a small bowl. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Sprinkle Sesame Seeds: Add a layer of sesame seeds on top, along with a light dusting of paprika.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 5: Prepare Fresh Garnish

1. Slice Vegetables: While the casserole bakes, slice cucumbers and tomatoes for garnish.
2. Arrange Garnish: Just before serving, arrange the sliced vegetables around the edge of the casserole or on a separate platter.

Step 6: Serve

1. Presentation: Serve the casserole warm with fresh garnish on the side. Optionally, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and extra parsley for a polished look.

Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes