Beef moussaka
Savor a delicious Beef Moussaka made with tender eggplant, ground beef, and a blend of spices, layered with creamy cottage cheese and melty mozzarella. Perfect your weeknight dinner with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
1 eggplant1/2 onion
1 garlic clove
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp spice mix
1/2 tsp dried oregano
16 oz ground beef (80/20%)
2 tbsp canned tomato paste
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Beef moussaka is a delightful Mediterranean dish that layers savory ground beef with tender eggplant and creamy cheeses. This recipe offers a rich and flavorful meal that is perfect for gatherings or a hearty family dinner.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
- Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will help remove any bitterness.
- After 15 minutes, pat the eggplant dry with a kitchen towel.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Bake the eggplant slices in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are soft and lightly browned. Set aside.
- While the eggplant is baking, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, cinnamon, and spice mix. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, start with a layer of cooked eggplant slices at the bottom.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the eggplant.
- Add another layer of eggplant slices and cover with the remaining meat sauce.
- Spoon the cottage cheese evenly over the top layer of meat sauce.
- Bake the assembled moussaka for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the moussaka to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove the moussaka from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
- Enjoy your delicious Beef Moussaka with a side salad or some crusty bread!
Tips:
- Choose a firm and glossy eggplant to ensure it’s fresh. Pre-salt the eggplant slices to draw out any bitterness and moisture, making them more tender.
- Use a good quality ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for a juicier and more flavorful filling.
- Ensure to cook the ground beef thoroughly with the spices, as this will enhance the taste of the entire dish.
- Let the beef moussaka sit for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to slice and serve.
- You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture if preferred.
Cooking beef moussaka is a rewarding experience that brings a taste of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. By following these steps and tips, you'll create a dish that's both delicious and comforting. Enjoy your homemade moussaka with a side salad or some crusty bread!
Nutrition per serving
5 ServingsCalories 330kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 4.00g
Sugar 7g
Fat 20g
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