Mock Moussaka Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
🥄 Servings: Makes 6 servings
🔪 Difficulty: Intermediate
Description:
Indulge in the rich flavors of this hearty Mock Moussaka recipe. It’s a delightful blend of ground beef, spices, and creamy sauce, layered with tender potato slices, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 box scalloped potatoes mix
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp margarine
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Brown Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion together until the beef is cooked through and the onion is soft and translucent.
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Season Beef Mixture: Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, prepare the sauce mix from the scalloped potatoes according to the package instructions, using milk, water, and margarine. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, then remove it from the heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
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Combine Sauce and Eggs: Gradually stir the prepared sauce into the beaten eggs until well combined. This will create a creamy and flavorful sauce for your Moussaka.
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Layer Potato Slices: Spread half of the potato slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
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Layer Beef Mixture: Spread half of the beef mixture over the potato slices, ensuring it covers the potatoes evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the beef layer, adding a delicious cheesy touch to your Moussaka.
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Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the beef layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Sprinkle the top with paprika for added color and flavor.
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Bake: Place the baking dish, uncovered, in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
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Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Moussaka from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.
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Enjoy: Serve your delicious Mock Moussaka hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors with your family and friends.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 544.2
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14.8g
- Cholesterol: 199.4mg
- Sodium: 859mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.2g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 2.7g
- Protein: 40.5g
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Feel free to customize the spices to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Make ahead tip: You can assemble the Moussaka a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
- Serve your Mock Moussaka with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
