Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini and eggplant, season with 1 tsp salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and sauté the onion for 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
Stir in beef broth and rice. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
When rice is finished, spread the zucchini and eggplant evenly over the top of the rice and meat mixture.
In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg until smooth. Pour the yogurt mixture over the layered vegetables, spreading it evenly.
Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
When finished baking, let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Does Moussaka Go with Rice?
Absolutely! While moussaka is hearty enough to stand on its own, a side of fluffy rice is a wonderful way to round out the meal. Popular across the Mediterranean and Middle East, rice is a natural companion to moussaka's rich, savory layers of meat and béchamel. It's also perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
For an aromatic pairing, try serving your moussaka alongside RiceSelect® Texmati® Rice. Its subtle, nutty flavor complements the warm spices in the dish without competing for the spotlight. Want something with a little more texture? RiceSelect® Royal Blend Rice, with its tempting mix of white, brown, wild and red rice varieties, adds a wholesome, satisfying contrast to every forkful.
Can You Make Moussaka with Beef?
Yes, you can! Though moussaka is traditionally made with lamb in many regions, beef is a popular and delicious swap. Ground beef brings a hearty, savory depth to the dish that pairs beautifully with the spiced tomato sauce and creamy béchamel topping. In fact, beef moussaka is a go-to version in many home kitchens, especially when lamb isn't readily available. The result is every bit as comforting and satisfying. Simply brown your ground beef with onion, garlic and warm spices like cinnamon and oregano, then layer it up and bake as usual. The finished dish will be rich, bubbling and utterly irresistible!
