Corn Moussaka: A Quick and Delicious One-Dish Meal
If you’re looking for a delightful and easy-to-make dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests, look no further than this Corn Moussaka recipe. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and international twist on the classic Greek moussaka, and it’s perfect for a satisfying meal that won’t take up too much of your precious time. This recipe, which I discovered years ago in a magazine, is a true gem that tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for leftovers. With a cooking time of just 15 minutes and a preparation time of another 15, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups cream-style cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish will bake evenly once it’s in the oven.
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Prepare the Corn Layer: Spread the drained whole kernel corn evenly in an ungreased, shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. The corn will form the base layer of your moussaka.
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Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. This step is crucial to avoid a greasy moussaka and to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
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Make the Meat Sauce: Add the all-purpose flour to the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to combine well with the beef. Next, stir in the tomato sauce, garlic salt, and ground cinnamon. Let this mixture cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Assemble the Moussaka: Pour the beef mixture evenly over the layer of corn in the casserole dish. This forms the second layer of your moussaka, which will provide a rich, meaty flavor.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the eggs and cream-style cottage cheese. Mix well until smooth. This will create a creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the meat and corn layers.
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Top the Dish: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the meat layer. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. These cheeses will melt and form a golden, bubbly topping during baking.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After this initial baking time, check the dish. If the top has not yet reached a golden-brown color, bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly browned.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the Corn Moussaka cool slightly before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 714.6 per serving
- Fat: 40.8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 17.1 grams
- Cholesterol: 250 milligrams
- Sodium: 1413 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fiber: 3.5 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Protein: 56.5 grams
Tips for Success
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to add extra depth of flavor to your moussaka.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Simply assemble the layers and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
This Corn Moussaka recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering. Its rich flavors and satisfying layers are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy every bite of this easy, inexpensive, and delicious one-dish meal that brings a touch of Greek cuisine to your table! 🌽🍲🧀
