This Cheesy Layered Meat and Vegetable Pancake is a creative twist on a savory pancake stack. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, this dish features layers of fluffy pancakes infused with vegetables, seasoned meat, and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients:
For the Pancakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup grated zucchini or carrots (optional: mix both)
- ½ cup finely chopped spinach or kale
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
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Instructions:
1. Make the Pancakes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Fold in the grated vegetables, spinach, and garlic powder.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour about ¼ cup of the batter for each pancake, spreading slightly. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges are set, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute. Repeat for the remaining batter.
2. Cook the Meat Filling:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Cook until browned and crumbled.
- Add the onion and garlic; sauté until softened. Stir in the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a round baking dish or ovenproof skillet, layer the components: Start with a pancake, spread a thin layer of meat filling, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and repeat. End with a pancake on top, then sprinkle generously with cheese.
4. Bake and Serve:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan if desired.
- Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and savory layered pancake as a delightful centerpiece for your meal!