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Palace Layer (Fake Lasagna)

This Palace Layer Recipe, also known as Fake Lasagna, features delicate homemade crepes layered with savory beef filling, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 8 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Crepe pan or non-stick skillet
  • Large frying pan
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Crepes

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • Slightly more than ½ cup water
  • ½ tea glass vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • Slightly more than ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt

For the Beef Filling

  • 400 g ground beef
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 green peppers diced
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • ½ tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 –4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup water

For the Béchamel Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • cups milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg

For Topping

  • Grated cheese as desired
  • Splash of milk

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all crepe ingredients until smooth and lump-free.
  • Cook thin crepes in a lightly greased skillet until lightly golden on both sides. Set aside.
  • Heat butter and oil in a large pan. Cook ground beef until browned.
  • Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  • Stir in peppers and cook until tender.
  • Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, and water. Simmer for several minutes.
  • For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour.
  • Slowly add milk while whisking continuously until thickened.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Grease a baking dish and place one crepe on the bottom.
  • Spread a thin layer of béchamel, then add beef filling.
  • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
  • Pour a little milk over the top and cover generously with grated cheese.
  • Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Allow the dish to rest before cutting for cleaner slices.
  • Mozzarella, cheddar, or mixed cheeses work well.
  • You can prepare the layers a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Keyword Beef Crepe Casserole, Crepe Lasagna, Fake Lasagna, Homemade Lasagna Alternative, Layered Crepe Bake, Palace Layer Recipe