Two Potato Moussaka Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Greek
Cuisine: European
Keywords: European, < 60 Mins, Oven
Description
Moussaka is a classic Greek comfort food, but this unique twist on the traditional dish uses two kinds of potatoes—sweet potatoes and red-skinned potatoes—instead of the usual eggplant. This recipe has been a long-time favorite of mine, and my husband has always loved it ever since I cut it out of a magazine over 15 years ago. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a family meal or gathering. With layers of savory ground beef, aromatic spices, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, it’s no wonder this moussaka recipe has become a staple in our home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet potato | 1 large |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Italian-style stewed tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tbsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2 tbsp |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Salt and pepper (to taste) | – |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 338.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 77.1 mg |
| Sodium | 265.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g |
| Sugars | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 16.5 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before baking the moussaka for the best texture and flavor.
-
Prepare the potatoes:
- Scrub the red-skinned potatoes clean and microwave them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing into thin rounds.
- Peel and slice the sweet potato, then microwave it for 7-9 minutes. It should be soft and easy to slice thinly.
-
Cook the ground beef:
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the Italian-style stewed tomatoes, ground cinnamon, and ground cumin. Simmer for an additional 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Prepare the creamy sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk as the mixture thickens. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 minute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolk, ensuring it’s fully incorporated into the sauce.
-
Assemble the moussaka:
- In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the sliced red-skinned potatoes and sweet potatoes at the bottom.
- Next, spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Top the beef with the remaining slices of potatoes and sweet potatoes.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the layers, ensuring it covers the entire dish evenly.
-
Finish and bake:
- Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Once the moussaka is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it ahead: Moussaka can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Add a twist: Try substituting ground lamb for the beef for a more traditional moussaka flavor. You could also add a handful of chopped fresh spinach to the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.
- Dairy-free option: For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and cheese alternatives.
Why You’ll Love This Two Potato Moussaka:
This Two Potato Moussaka is not only comforting and filling but also offers a deliciously unique take on a beloved Greek dish. The layers of sweet and red-skinned potatoes provide a satisfying contrast to the savory beef and creamy sauce, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s a dish that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences, whether you’re looking for a meatier version, a vegetarian alternative, or a way to incorporate more veggies into the mix. Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, this moussaka is sure to become a favorite in your household too!
Enjoy your meal!
