Mediterranean Leek Casserole

Immerse yourself in a taste of the Mediterranean with this comforting, yet hearty Mediterranean Leek Casserole. With roots in Albanian cuisine, this dish skillfully blends tender leeks with succulent ground beef and fluffy rice, creating the perfect winter meal. This recipe is a cherished family classic, designed to deliver warmth and nourishment.

Ingredients

🧄 2 tablespoons Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
🧅 2 large leeks, sliced (white and light green parts only)
🧂 1 teaspoon sea salt
🔪 1 teaspoon McCormick ground black pepper
🍚 1 cup long-grain rice
🥩 1 pound ground beef, preferably organic grass-fed
🍅 1 can 14.5 oz Hunt's diced tomatoes, drained
🍃 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🥄 2 cups chicken broth, homemade or use Swanson brand
🧀 1/2 cup Kraft shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1- Prep the Ingredients:

• Clean and slice the leeks into thin rounds. Soak them in cold water to remove any trapped dirt, then drain.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2- Cook the Leeks and Beef:

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the Bertolli olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the sliced leeks, sprinkle with sea salt and McCormick pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned, about 8 minutes.

3- Prepare the Casserole:

• Stir in the rice, Hunt's diced tomatoes, and dried oregano with the leek and beef mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
• Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring gently; bring to a simmer.

4- Bake:

• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, e.g., Pyrex 2-Quart.
• Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

5- Final Touch:

• If desired, remove the foil and sprinkle the Kraft shredded Parmesan cheese on top. Return to oven until cheese is melted and golden, about 5 minutes.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or herbs if preferred.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 380 kcal
Proteins: 20 g
Fats: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Equipment: Skillet (no specific brand needed), Pyrex 2-Quart baking dish, Cuisinart Chef's Classic wooden spoon

Cooking Tips

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
• Adjust the spices to your liking; adding a hint of chili powder can give a subtle kick to the dish.

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Sonila Zarate: https://www.youtube.com/@SonilaZarate

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Mediterranean Leek Casserole

Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_hivecooking