Bulgarian Guvech Vegetable Casserole with Meat in a Clay Pot

Experience the hearty, rustic flavors of Bulgaria with this traditional Bulgarian Guvech Vegetable Casserole with Meat, slow-cooked to perfection in a clay pot. Featuring tender cubes of pork or beef, an array of colorful vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, and seasoned with aromatic paprika and thyme, this comforting dish is as nourishing as it is flavorful. The use of a clay pot enhances the depth of flavor, allowing the ingredients to meld into a rich, savory harmony. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this casserole pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Easy to prepare and beautifully presented, this authentic Bulgarian recipe brings the warmth of Eastern European cuisine straight to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams pork or beef (cubed)
• 1 medium eggplant
• 1 medium zucchini
• 3 medium potatoes
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large green bell pepper
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 3 medium tomatoes
• 150 grams green beans
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 200 milliliters water or stock

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Wash and chop the eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and green beans into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 3

Cut the meat into bite-sized cubes if it isn’t already pre-cut.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sear the meat on all sides until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5

Layer the chopped vegetables and seared meat into a clay pot or casserole dish, starting with the potatoes and carrots at the bottom, followed by the eggplant, zucchini, peppers, green beans, and finally the tomatoes.

Step 6

Finely mince or slice the garlic and sprinkle it over the layered ingredients.

Step 7

Season the casserole with paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gently mix the layers slightly to ensure even seasoning.

Step 8

Pour the water or stock over the mixture to help everything cook evenly and remain moist.

Step 9

Cover the clay pot with its lid or tightly cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.

Step 10

Place the clay pot in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft and flavorful.

Step 11

After baking, carefully remove the lid, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top, and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3193.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2714.5

Total Fat 144.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 26.5g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 5537.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 252.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.7g	0%
Total Sugars 78.5g
Protein 126.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 497.0mg	0%
Iron 24.2mg	0%
Potassium 8817.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.3%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 35.8%