CASSEROLE ESSENTIALS: SIRLOIN, PROVOLONE SURPRISE

Casserole Essentials: Sirloin, Provolone Surprise image

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Categories Beef

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 17

PLAN/PURCHASE
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/4 c carrots, small dice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 lb ground sirloin
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp salt, kosher variety, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
2 - 3 oz tomato sauce
3 slice provolone cheese, or cheese of choice
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
add some cayenne or red pepper, for kick
throw in a handful of al dente pasta, for some carbs
some crusty bread for serving would not be amiss

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. Besides a skillet for cooking up the meat sauce, you will need an ovenproof dish for the baking process. I used a ramekin that was 5 x 2.5 inches (12.5 x 6.3cm), and holds a volume of 10 ounces (0.3L).
3. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
4. Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 350f (175c).
5. Rough chop the tomatoes, dice the carrots, and reserve.
6. Add the sirloin to a skillet over medium heat, and cook until just a hint of pink remains, about 3 - 5 minutes.
7. Add the minced garlic, and dry spices, then stir to combine, about 60 seconds.
8. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and carrots, then lightly simmer, for about 3 minutes.
9. Chef's Note: If you are using some al dente pasta, add it at the end of the 3 minutes.
10. Chef's Tip: Give the meat sauce a tasting for proper seasoning, before adding to the ovenproof dish.
11. Coat an ovenproof dish with a bit of olive oil, and add a slice or provolone to the bottom.
12. Add half of the meat sauce, then top with another slice of provolone.
13. Add the remainder of the meat sauce, then top with the final slice of provolone.
14. Place dish into the preheated oven, and bake until the cheese is nice and bubbly, about 12 - 14 minutes. Then, raise the heat to 375f (190c), and cook until the cheese begins to brown in spots, about 3 - 4 additional minutes.
15. PLATE/PRESENT
16. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then serve with some crusty bread. Enjoy.
17. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.