Description
Hearty Serbian Moussaka brings comforting layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy egg custard together in one satisfying dish. Rich Mediterranean flavors mingle with Balkan traditions, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or ground pork (or a mix)
- 3 large eggs
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ¼-inch thick)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) paprika
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
- ¼ teaspoon (¼ tsp) garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by warming it to 375F (190C) and generously coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking lubricant to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil and sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their subtle sweetness.
- Introduce ground meat to the skillet, seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly cook the meat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains and a rich, caramelized exterior develops.
- Create the first foundational layer in the baking dish by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes, lightly seasoning with a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Distribute the fully cooked meat mixture evenly across the potato base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Complete the layering process by placing the remaining potato slices atop the meat, adding an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired.
- Prepare the creamy custard by whisking eggs, milk, sour cream, and garlic powder until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Carefully pour the custard over the layered dish, gently guiding it to seep between the potato and meat layers for maximum flavor absorption.
- Transfer the moussaka to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns a golden brown and potatoes become fork-tender.
- Allow the dish to rest and slightly cool for easier slicing, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Drain excess fat from ground meat to prevent a greasy final result and improve overall healthiness.
- Choose full-fat dairy for richer flavor, but low-fat options work perfectly for lighter versions.
- Test potato tenderness by inserting a sharp knife; it should glide smoothly without resistance when moussaka is perfectly cooked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Serbian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg