Description
If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious dinner idea, this Savory Minced Meat and Spinach Gratin with Mushroom Sauce is perfect! Packed with layers of tender minced meat, fresh spinach, golden mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese, it’s all topped with a tangy mushroom sauce that brings the flavors together beautifully. This is a hearty and wholesome dish that’s easy to make yet fancy enough to serve at special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
- 1 kg minced meat
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spinach and Mushrooms
- 200g spinach, washed and chopped
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Sauce
- 3–4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 pickles, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Topping
- 200g grated cheese (your choice of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced meat, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach and Mushrooms
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms until golden brown. Remove and set aside with the spinach.
Step 3: Assemble the Gratin
- In a greased baking dish, spread an even layer of the meat mixture.
- Top the meat with the cooked spinach and mushrooms.
- Sprinkle grated cheese generously over the vegetables to form a gooey top layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Mushroom Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add soy sauce, tomato paste, mustard, honey, chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, walnuts, and minced garlic.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and the ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Bake the Gratin
- Pour the prepared mushroom sauce over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve hot and enjoy this savory, satisfying dish!
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix cheeses like Parmesan or feta for more complexity.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the gratin ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving.
- Texture Tip: Add breadcrumbs on top of the cheese for a crunchy finish.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based minced meat, cheese, and a dairy-free mushroom sauce alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International