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Easy 4-ingredients Moussaka (Musaka) - no eggplants

Moussaka (Musaka) is a traditional Greek dish but it is also a staple in lots of other Eastern European cuisines. The recipe I am sharing with you is how my family and other Bulgarian families have been making moussaka for centuries. Made with cubed potatoes, ground beef or pork, tomato sauce, onion, and seasonings. This easy 4-ingredients Moussaka is a warm and comforting meal and it is perfect for a family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Bulgarian, Eastern European, Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

FOR THE MOUSSAKA

  • ▢1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
  • ▢1 lb ground beef 80% or 85% lean
  • ▢1/3 cup diced onion half of an onion
  • ▢1 cup tomato sauce marinara
  • ▢1 tsp salt or more to taste
  • ▢1/4 tsp black pepper
  • ▢1 tsp summer savory or chubritsa - Bulgarian savory seasoning
  • ▢2 cups water enough to cover the potatoes
  • ▢3 large russet potatoes or 2 lbs potatoes of your choice, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes

FOR THE YOGURT TOPPING

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup yogurt Greek or plain
  • 2 tablespoons flour all purpose
  • salt and pepper
  • half a cup of shredded cheese mozzarella or gouda or provolone

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Heat oil in a skillet or a stovetop and oven-safe baking dish. I use this kind of baking dish and my clean-up is a breeze! If you are using a skillet, see the instructions below.
  • If using a stovetop, oven-safe baking dish - Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it down with a wooden spoon for 6-7 minutes, until browned. Add the diced onion, stir, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the diced potatoes and stir well. Add salt, black pepper, summer savory spice, and then add the tomato sauce. Cook for 1-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add cold water to the baking dish, so it just covers the top of the potatoes.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the water is absorbed by the potatoes and they are fully cooked. In the meantime prepare the topping. Scramble the eggs with a fork, then add a cup of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of flour, salt and pepper, and the shredded cheese.
  • If you are using a skillet - Spray the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Heat the olive oil, sautee the ground beef, onion, potatoes, tomato sauce, and spices. Transfer it all to the baking dish.
  • Add cold water to the baking dish, so it just covers the top of the potatoes.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the water is absorbed by the potatoes and they are fully cooked.

For the yogurt topping:

  • In a bowl, beat the eggs with a fork.
  • Add the yogurt, flour, salt and pepper and stir well to combine.
  • Pour over the moussaka. Top with cheese. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden browned.
  • Let it cool down, cut into squares and serve.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword bulgarian musaka, greek casserole, greek moussaka, moussaka, musaka