Imagine taking the comforting, pillowy softness of pancakes and layering them with a savory, flavorful meat filling, then topping it all with a rich, creamy sauce and gooey melted cheese. That’s the magic of pancake cake with meat, a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.
This recipe combines the best of two worlds: soft, golden pancakes and a hearty meat filling that bursts with bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re a fan of creative takes on comfort food or simply want to try something new, this dish will leave you and your loved ones craving seconds. Let’s get started on making your very own pancake cake with meat!
Why You’ll Love This Pancake Cake Recipe
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s fun to make, visually stunning, and endlessly customizable. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this savory pancake cake:
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s impressive enough for a dinner party and easy enough for a weeknight meal.
- Rich and Filling: The combination of pancakes, meat, and creamy sauce makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Customizable: Swap out the meat or vegetables for your favorite ingredients to suit your taste.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients for Pancake Cake with Meat
This recipe is made with three main components: the pancake batter, the savory filling, and the creamy sauce. Here’s a complete list of everything you’ll need:
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Pancake Batter | Eggs | 4 |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Milk | 200 ml | |
| Flour | 3 tablespoons | |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | As needed | |
| For the Filling | Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | |
| Minced meat (beef, pork, or chicken) | 600 g | |
| Bell pepper (chopped) | 1 | |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | As needed | |
| Mushrooms (chopped) | 200 g | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Paprika | To taste | |
| Mixed pepper blend | To taste | |
| For the Sauce | Butter | 70 g |
| Flour | 3 tablespoons | |
| Milk | 500 ml | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Nutmeg | A pinch | |
| Additional | Mozzarella cheese (grated) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pancake Cake with Meat
Follow this detailed guide to create your own savory pancake cake.
1. Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, lightly beat 4 eggs with a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add 200 ml of milk and 3 tablespoons of flour, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the skillet, tilting it to spread the batter evenly. Cook until the pancake is golden on both sides.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the pancakes on a plate. Set aside.
2. Make the Meat Filling
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the chopped bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables soften and their flavors meld together.
- Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and mixed pepper blend to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- Melt 70 g of butter in a medium pot over low heat.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in 500 ml of milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Pancake Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a greased baking dish, place one pancake as the base layer.
- Spread a portion of the meat filling evenly over the pancake.
- Place another pancake on top and repeat the layering process, ending with a pancake as the top layer.
- Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the top of the pancake cake, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
5. Bake the Pancake Cake
- Bake the pancake cake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the pancake cake into portions and serve warm. Pair it with a simple salad or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Why This Pancake Cake Recipe Always Turns Out Perfect
- Golden, Pillowy Pancakes: The batter produces soft yet sturdy pancakes that hold up well during layering and baking.
- Flavor-Packed Filling: The meat and vegetables are seasoned to perfection, making each bite rich and satisfying.
- Creamy, Velvety Sauce: The béchamel sauce ties everything together and adds an irresistible creaminess to the dish.
- Cheesy Finish: Melted mozzarella cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping that’s impossible to resist.
Tips for the Best Pancake Cake with Meat
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat will elevate the flavors of this dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pancakes: Keep them soft and pliable to make layering easier.
- Experiment with Spices: Add herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make It Vegetarian: Replace the meat with cooked lentils or a medley of roasted vegetables.
- Add Layers of Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella or parmesan between layers for an even cheesier result.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown based on 6 servings:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Total Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
FAQs About Pancake Cake with Meat
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe.
2. Can I Make the Pancakes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pancakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
3. What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
Cheddar, gouda, or even parmesan are great alternatives to mozzarella.
4. Can I Freeze the Pancake Cake?
Yes. Assemble the cake without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake it directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
5. How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat slices in the oven at 150°C (300°F) or in the microwave until warmed through.
6. Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or carrots would make great additions to the filling.
Final Thoughts on Pancake Cake with Meat
This pancake cake with meat is a delicious, hearty dish that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The layers of golden pancakes, rich meat filling, and creamy sauce topped with bubbly cheese make it a true comfort food masterpiece.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this unforgettable dish. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—it’s that good!
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Pancake Cake with Meat: A Hearty and Delicious Meal
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, this pancake cake with meat is exactly what you need. Combining soft, golden pancakes with a savory, seasoned meat filling and a creamy, cheesy topping, it’s perfect for dinner, family gatherings, or when you want to impress your guests. This recipe is easy to follow and creates a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter:
- 4 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 200 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 600 g minced meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200 g mushrooms, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Mixed pepper blend, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 70 g butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 500 ml milk
- Salt, to taste
- Nutmeg, a pinch
Additional:
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a mixing bowl, lightly scramble the eggs with a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in the milk and flour until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush it lightly with vegetable oil. Pour a ladleful of batter into the skillet, tilting it to spread evenly. Cook until golden brown on one side, flip, and cook the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked pancakes on a plate. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the chopped bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and mixed pepper blend to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in a medium pot over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pancake Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a greased baking dish, place one pancake as the base. Spread a layer of meat filling evenly across the pancake. Add another pancake on top and repeat the process, layering pancakes and filling. End with a pancake on top. Pour the prepared sauce over the pancake cake, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Bake the Pancake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice into portions and serve warm. Enjoy your pancake cake with meat as a standalone dish or pair it with a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Experiment with the filling by adding spinach, zucchini, or even ricotta cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or roasted vegetables.
- If you like extra spice, add chili flakes to the meat filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
