Nothing is more comforting on those very cold winter days than a good casserole that combines different ingredients. Today’s suggestion is to prepare a meat and pumpkin purée casserole, enriched with ingredients like mozzarella cheese and mushrooms. To enhance the flavor, we’ve used both beef and pork. This casserole is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, then baked for about half an hour before lunch or dinner. A treat to enjoy...
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Season the pumpkin purée and mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
In a skillet with a little oil, sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the ground beef and pork, along with the diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms, thinly sliced, in a bit of butter. Add them to the meat mixture.
Remove the filling from the heat and mix in the coarsely chopped hard-boiled eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lightly grease an oven-safe dish with oil. Spread a layer of mashed potatoes on the bottom.
Add the meat filling on top of the mashed potatoes.
Place slices of mozzarella cheese over the meat filling.
Spread the pumpkin purée evenly over the cheese.
Using the remaining mashed potatoes, decorate the surface of the casserole with a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the casserole for about 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and gratinéed.
You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving for the best results.
For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed potatoes or pumpkin purée.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of lentils and finely chopped vegetables.
Can I use canned pumpkin purée?
Yes, canned pumpkin purée works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it is unsweetened.
Can I substitute mozzarella cheese?
Yes, you can use other melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda if mozzarella is not available.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of hard-boiled eggs?
You can omit the eggs or replace them with diced cooked vegetables for added texture.
How can I make the top extra crispy?
Sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with grated cheese on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
