Moussaka with potatoes, minced meat, and smoked sausages

Potato Moussaka with Ground Meat and Smoked Sausages

Are you dreaming of a hearty meal that delights your taste buds and brings back memories of lavish childhood meals? Potato moussaka with ground meat and smoked sausages is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the rich flavors of meat with the creamy texture of potatoes, offering a delicious dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 6 medium potatoes (about 1 kg)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 egg
- 400 g tomato sauce (you can use homemade or store-bought)
- 500 g ground meat (a mix of pork and beef is ideal)
- 200 g smoked sausages (choose those with a strong flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Oil (for frying)

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes

Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water. They will need about 20-25 minutes, depending on their size. Once cooked, remove them from the water, let them cool slightly, and then peel them. This step is essential for achieving a smooth texture in the moussaka.

Step 2: Cooking the filling

In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Peel the onion, carrot, and garlic, then chop them finely. Add the vegetables to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the ground meat and let it brown evenly, stirring occasionally.

After the meat is browned, add the tomato sauce and a cup of water. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about an hour. This cooking time helps to intensify the flavors. In the last 10 minutes, add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Preparing the sausages

Meanwhile, slice the sausages into rounds and fry them in a separate skillet until they become crispy. Their smoky flavor will add an extra layer of taste to the moussaka, making it truly special.

Step 4: Assembling the moussaka

Once all the ingredients are ready, it's time to assemble the moussaka. In a baking dish, add a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Then, layer sliced potatoes, followed by meat sauce and fried sausages. Repeat these layers until you finish the ingredients, ensuring that the last layer is meat sauce sprinkled with sausages.

Beat the egg in a bowl and pour it evenly over the moussaka. This will help create a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 5: Baking the moussaka

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes or until the surface is golden and appetizing.

Serving and suggestions

Once the moussaka is ready, let it cool slightly before portioning. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh vegetable salad or a serving of Greek yogurt, which will add a touch of freshness to this hearty dish.

Possible variations

To personalize this recipe, you can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or eggplant between the layers of potatoes to diversify the flavor and enrich the dish nutritionally.

Nutritional information

This potato moussaka is a delicious choice, but it should be consumed in moderation, as a serving contains approximately 450 calories. However, it is a good source of protein, thanks to the meat and egg, while the potatoes provide essential carbohydrates for energy.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes will add a sweet note and vibrant color to the moussaka.

2. Is moussaka good for freezing?
- Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to package it well to prevent freezer burn.

3. How can I make tomato sauce at home?
- You can use fresh tomatoes, which you can puree and cook with onion, garlic, olive oil, and spices.

Create beautiful memories around the table with this potato moussaka with ground meat and smoked sausages! Enjoy your meal!