Potato Moussaka with Ground Meat

Potato Moussaka with Ground Meat: An Unforgettable Recipe for Special Moments

Who doesn’t love a warm serving of moussaka? This traditional dish, which combines delicious layers of potatoes with ground meat, is perfect for pampering family and friends. Whether you prepare it simply with potatoes or choose to add slices of eggplant, moussaka is always a wise choice for holiday meals or a cozy dinner. Plus, it's an easy recipe to make, even for those less experienced in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 700 g ground meat (a mix of pork and turkey is ideal)
- 1 kg potatoes
- 200 g grated cheese
- 2-3 eggs
- 300 ml sour cream
- 100 ml white wine
- 1 large onion
- 2-3 tomatoes (or 1-2 larger tomatoes)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Spices: salt, pepper, chili, cayenne pepper, hot chili sauce, thyme, fresh dill
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or another cooking oil)
- Breadcrumbs and butter for the baking dish

Step-by-step preparation of moussaka

1. Preparing the potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes with their skins in a large pot of salted water. Let them boil for about 20 minutes until they become soft but not fully cooked. This will ensure the potatoes maintain their shape during baking. Once boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool. Once cooled, peel and cut them into thick slices of about 3-4 mm.

2. Preparing the meat filling
In a non-stick skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic, sautéing until they become translucent. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and let them soften a bit. Continue by adding the ground meat and frying it until it changes color, mixing well. Season with salt, pepper, chili, cayenne pepper, thyme, and chopped dill. After about 5 minutes, add the white wine and let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 20 minutes until the liquid reduces.

3. Assembling the moussaka
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Grease a heat-resistant dish with butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs on the bottom. Place a first layer of potato slices to completely cover the base of the dish. Add half of the meat mixture, then another layer of potatoes. Continue with the other half of the meat, and finally, cover with a last layer of potatoes.

4. Preparing the sauce
In a bowl, beat the 3 eggs well and add the sour cream. Mix well, then pour this mixture evenly over the layers of potatoes and meat in the dish. Grate cheese on top and add a few slices of cherry tomatoes for a nice appearance and a touch of freshness.

5. Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. After this interval, reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and continue baking until the moussaka becomes golden and well-browned, about 20-30 minutes.

6. Serving
Once the moussaka is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before portioning. Serve with a fresh salad for a delicious contrast between the creamy texture of the moussaka and the crunch of the vegetables.

Useful tips and variations
- You can replace the potatoes with slices of eggplant for a lighter version of moussaka. Be sure to sprinkle them with salt before using to draw out excess water.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, add some chopped Kalamata olives to the meat filling.
- Instead of cheese, you can use crumbled feta cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- This moussaka pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or even Greek yogurt for a touch of freshness.

Nutritional information
Potato moussaka with ground meat is a hearty dish rich in protein and carbohydrates. A serving (approximately 300 g) contains about 450-500 calories, providing a good source of energy from the potatoes and meat. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, such as vitamins C and B6, as well as minerals like potassium and phosphorus.

Frequently asked questions
- Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, you can assemble the moussaka a few hours before baking. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the moussaka before baking. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to consume it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the instructions.

Certainly, potato moussaka with ground meat is a dish that should not be missing from any family’s culinary repertoire. Not only is it delicious, but it also brings people together around the table, creating unforgettable moments. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy a wonderful culinary experience! Bon appétit!