These Savory Meat Crepes are a family favorite, perfect for a simple yet satisfying lunch or dinner. Combining tender minced meat with fresh vegetables and wrapped in delicate crepes, this dish is both comforting and delicious. Topped with a creamy sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, it’s a meal that will delight everyone at the table.
Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, these crepes are easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. The flavorful filling and cheesy topping make them a hit for any occasion. Serve hot and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends!
Ingredients:
- Chicken eggs
- Salt
- Milk
- Flour
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Minced meat
- Raw sweet pepper
- Hard mozzarella cheese
- Ground black pepper
Directions:
Prepare the Crepe Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 chicken eggs, 5g of salt, 500ml of milk, 220g of flour, 130ml of water, and 20ml of vegetable oil until smooth.
- Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Crepes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
- Pour a small amount of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter. Set the crepes aside.
Prepare the Filling:
- Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.
- In a large frying pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add 500g of minced meat to the pan and cook until browned.
- Chop the raw sweet pepper and add to the pan, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt 30g of butter over medium heat. Add 30g of flour and stir to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 500ml of milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Crepes:
- Place a crepe on a flat surface and spoon some of the meat filling onto one side.
- Roll the crepe to enclose the filling and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.
- Pour the sauce over the filled crepes and sprinkle with 100g of grated hard mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Crepes:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the crepes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Serve the savory meat crepes hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
The Perfect Crepe Batter
The foundation of this dish is a light and airy crepe. Our crepe batter is made from basic pantry staples including chicken eggs, milk, flour, water, and a touch of vegetable oil. By letting the batter rest for a few minutes, you allow the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in perfectly tender crepes every time. The key to a good crepe is ensuring your pan is at the right temperature and greased lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
A Flavorful Meat Filling
The heart of these crepes is the savory meat filling. Ground meat, whether you choose beef, pork, or a mix, is browned to perfection and combined with finely chopped onions, garlic, and colorful sweet peppers. The combination of these vegetables adds not only flavor but also a pleasing texture. Seasoned simply with salt, black pepper, and a touch of paprika, this filling is both hearty and satisfying.
A Creamy Sauce to Bring It All Together
To add a creamy richness to the dish, we prepare a simple bechamel sauce. This classic white sauce starts with a roux made from butter and flour, to which milk is gradually added. The sauce is cooked until thickened and then seasoned with salt and pepper. This sauce not only adds moisture to the crepes but also binds the filling together, ensuring every bite is deliciously creamy.
Baking to Perfection
Once assembled, the crepes are rolled with the savory meat filling, placed in a baking dish, and generously topped with the bechamel sauce. A final sprinkle of grated mozzarella cheese adds a delightful cheesy crust as the crepes bake. The baking step melds all the flavors together and gives the dish a beautiful golden finish.
Tips for Success
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the crepe batter to rest for 10-15 minutes helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Consistent Heat: Maintain medium heat while cooking the crepes to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
- Uniform Size: Try to keep the crepes and filling portions uniform to ensure even cooking.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or switch up the vegetables to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Savory Meat Crepes are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot out of the oven, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, consider offering a dollop of sour cream or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the crepes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, they can be microwaved until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Savory Meat Crepes are a delightful dish that brings together the comfort of home-cooked meals with the elegance of French cuisine. Their simplicity and versatility make them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them to your family or impressing guests, these crepes are sure to become a favorite in your home as well.