Savory minced meat pie

Minced meat appetizer cake: an easy-to-make recipe, full of flavor and with an impressive appearance, perfect for any occasion. Specifically, I created this appetizer cake for my daughter's birthday, and I can say it was a real success among the guests. In this guide, I will detail each step of preparing this recipe, providing you with useful tips, tricks, and variations to customize the cake according to your preferences.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 55-60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

A brief story about the appetizer cake

This appetizer cake recipe emerged as a creative alternative to classic meat appetizers. It is an enticing combination of minced meat and mashed potatoes, which transforms into an elegant main dish. Additionally, serving it in the form of a cake gives it a festive appearance, ideal for parties or family meals. This minced meat variant is very versatile, allowing you to experiment with different types of meat and vegetables, depending on personal preferences.

Ingredients

For the meat filling:
- 800 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 3 medium onions
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 slices of bread
- 3 eggs
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (for the pan)

For the mashed potatoes:
- 1 kg potatoes
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml milk
- 150 g grated cheese
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparing the appetizer cake

Step 1: Preparing the meat filling

1. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the diced red bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes. This will add a pleasant flavor to the filling.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the onion and pepper mixture. Add the crushed garlic clove, salt, and pepper to taste. Soak the slices of bread in water or milk, then squeeze them out and add them to the bowl. Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture, mixing well until everything is homogeneous.

Step 2: Baking the filling

3. Preparing the pan: Line a detachable pan with baking paper and sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs on the bottom. This step will help prevent sticking and will give a crunchy texture.

4. Baking: Pour the meat mixture into the pan and level it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 40 minutes or until the meat is well cooked and lightly browned.

Step 3: Preparing the mashed potatoes

5. Boiling the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Boil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft. Check with a fork - if it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready.

6. Preparing the mash: Drain the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher. Gradually add the butter, milk, grated cheese, eggs, and salt. Mix well until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mash. If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

7. Adding the mash: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then spread the mashed potatoes over the meat, leveling it with a spatula. Reserve a few tablespoons of mash for decoration.

8. Final baking: Return the pan to the oven for 15-20 minutes until the mash is nicely browned on top.

Step 5: Decorating and serving

9. Cooling: Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully detach the removable ring and transfer the cake to a plate.

10. Decorating: Use the remaining mash to create decorative shapes with a piping bag. You can also add fresh vegetables, such as finely chopped Chinese cabbage or olives, and tomato roses for a festive appearance.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey. Additionally, adding herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor.
- Serving: The appetizer cake can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or pickles. A refreshing drink, such as tomato juice or a fruit cocktail, would perfectly complement the meal.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the taste improves as the flavors develop.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe offers a hearty meal, with a good supply of protein from the meat and eggs, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and a balanced dose of fats from the butter. Each serving has approximately 350-450 kcal, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent choice to satisfy hunger while providing energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fish meat? Yes, a lighter version can be made using minced fish, but the baking time will need to be adjusted.
- What kind of cheese can I use? If you don't have cheese, you can opt for cottage cheese or mozzarella, depending on your preferences.
- How can I make the cake spicier? Add chopped hot peppers to the meat filling or spicy seasonings for a more intense flavor.

This minced meat appetizer cake is not only a delicious recipe but also a creative way to bring a touch of magic to any meal. Try it and you won't regret it! Enjoy!