Cauliflower Gratin With Ground Beef Recipe
Cauliflower gratin with ground beef is a fantastic choice for those looking for a nutritious and delicious baked dish. The lightness of cauliflower, the satisfying texture of ground beef, and the velvety smoothness of béchamel sauce come together to create a dish that will become a staple on your table. This gratin is especially ideal for those who love the harmony of vegetables and meat.
Benefits of the Meal
Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, which support digestion and strengthen the immune system. Meanwhile, ground beef is high in protein and iron, helping you stay full for longer. As for the health benefits of béchamel sauce... well, I can't say much in that department! But not everything has to be about health. The creamy touch of béchamel sauce enhances the dish’s flavor.
Alternatives to Cauliflower Gratin With Ground Beef
If you're not a fan of the combination of vegetables and meat, you can try baked stuffed cauliflower recipe. However, if you enjoy the mix of vegetables and meat but prefer a lighter alternative to rich, high-calorie béchamel sauce, baked filled kofte with cauliflower might be a better option for you.
Serving Suggestion
After taking the gratin out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can pair it with yogurt and/or a fresh green salad for a well-balanced meal.
Tips for Success
- Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower while boiling, as it will continue cooking in the oven and may become too soft.
- To achieve a smooth béchamel sauce without lumps, add the milk gradually while stirring constantly.
- If you like, you can enhance the flavor of the béchamel sauce by adding a pinch of grated nutmeg.
Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
For the Gratin:
- 1 small cauliflower,
- 1.5 cups milk,
- 2 tablespoons flour,
- 1 tablespoon butter,
- Salt,
- Black pepper,
- 1 cup grated cheese.
For the Ground Beef Mixture:
- 200 g ground beef,
- 1 medium onion,
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste,
- 1 cup grated tomatoes,
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil,
- 1 teaspoon paprika,
- Salt,
- Black pepper,
- 2 cups water.
Preparation
- Separate the cauliflower into florets and boil until just tender. Drain and set aside,
- Finely chop the onion,
- Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the ground beef, and cook until it releases and reabsorbs its juices,
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened,
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook until fragrant,
- Add the paprika and mix well,
- Pour in the grated tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally,
- Season with salt and black pepper, mix well, and remove from heat,
- In a separate pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour, cooking until lightly golden,
- Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens,
- Season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat,
- Add the boiled cauliflower to the béchamel sauce and mix well,
- Spread half of the béchamel-coated cauliflower in a 20x26 cm baking dish,
- Evenly spread the minced meat mixture over it,
- Top with the remaining béchamel-coated cauliflower,
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the top,
- Bake in the oven until golden brown.
Enjoy your meal!