5.0 from 15 votes
Moussaka
This authentic Bulgarian Moussaka recipe, passed down through generations, is a hearty and flavorful dish made with potatoes, ground beef, and fresh vegetables. Easy to make and packed with rich, comforting flavors - perfect for a family meal
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 315 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean , Bulgarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 1 large carrot chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium tomato peeled and chopped
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons summer savory bulgarian spice: chubritsa or Italian herb seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Topping
- 1 cup yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 eggs yolks and white separated
- 4 Tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of salt
- pinch freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and bell pepper for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Stir in chopped tomato and garlic, and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and savory. Transfer to a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown beef in the same skillet for 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, savory, and cumin. Add to the casserole dish.
- Cook Potatoes: In the same skillet, cook potatoes in two batches with oil, seasoning each batch with salt, paprika, black pepper, and savory. Cook covered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add to the casserole dish.
- Combine and Bake: Mix everything in the casserole dish and spread evenly. Pour 1 cup of water over the mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.
Cup of Yum
Topping
- Make topping: While the moussaka is baking, make the topping. Beat 4 egg whites until fluffy. In a separate bowl, beat 4 egg yolks with 4 Tbsp water. Fold in the yogurt, milk, egg yolks and baking soda into the egg whites. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread topping over the baked moussaka, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let moussaka rest for about 10 - 15 minutes before cutting. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Serving
403g
Calories
315kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
28g
(9%)
Protein
21g
(42%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Trans Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
142mg
(47%)
Sodium
803mg
(33%)
Potassium
919mg
(26%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
2781IU
(56%)
Vitamin C
51mg
(57%)
Calcium
172mg
(17%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 315
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 403g | |
| Calories | 315kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 803mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 919mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 2781IU | 56% |
| Vitamin C | 51mg | 57% |
| Calcium | 172mg | 17% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.