Traditional Macedonian Moussaka – An easy Moussaka recipe made with ground beef, spices, and potatoes. This traditional Macedonian recipe is satisfying comfort food that tastes amazing!
A TRADITIONAL MACEDONIAN RECIPE
My favorite childhood dish is THIS Traditional Macedonian Moussaka, aka Meat and Potato layered casserole. 😍
Flavorful layers of ground beef and potatoes with a baked crunchy milk and egg custard; a true comfortable dish for the soul.
Moussaka to Macedonians is like shepherd’s pie to Americans. Or, lasagna to Italians. Just like shepherd’s pie, moussaka is a satisfying casserole that is a meal in itself.
The variations in moussaka recipes go beyond the filling and topping. Ground turkey or a vegetarian portobello filling is one. Some recipes even call for layer of other vegetables like zucchini squash, or eggplants. BUT, where I come from, a layer of thinly sliced potatoes with a filling of ground beef is a must.
Ingredients for Moussaka
The ingredients for a Macedonian moussaka recipe are simple:
- potatoes
- onions
- ground beef
- tomato paste
- eggs
- milk
- seasonings
How to make Traditional Macedonian Moussaka (Minced Meat with Potatoes)
Let’s get this right – It’s a layer of potatoes, layer of ground beef, another layer of potatoes, one more layer of beef, and a last layer of potatoes. Top that with a mixture of milk and eggs and you’re set. Got it? Good! 😊
- Preheat oven to 375˚F
- Next, cook sliced potatoes in boiling salted water for 5 minutes; drain under cold water and cool immediately. Set aside.
- Then, heat olive oil in heavy skillet over medium heat and add onion; cook for 2 minutes.
- Next we add ground beef; break apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic.
- Then, add tomato paste and stir until completely incorporated.
- Season beef with paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Layer 1/3 of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Then, top the potatoes with half of the ground beef mixture.
- Next, arrange another layer of potato slices over beef. Add remaining beef mixture and top with last layer of potatoes. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs; then whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper; continue to whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Next, pour the milk mixture over the potatoes.
- Then, bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until casserole is set.
- Finally, let the moussaka rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
How to make ahead
- Moussaka can be assembled and refrigerated up to two days in advance and baked just before serving.
How to store Moussaka
- Fridge: Moussaka can be stored in an airtight container and kept in your fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze your Moussaka. Simply cool and then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: When reheating, you’re going to want to go low and slow. Let Moussaka thaw and come to room temperature. Then, for best results cover the Moussaka with foil and place in the oven for 30 minutes in a 325˚F oven.
What is the difference between Moussaka and Lasagna?
- Moussaka is a dish similar to lasagna, the primary difference being that it uses potatoes instead of noodles, and it also contains different spices.
What to serve with Moussaka?
- Serve Moussaka with a Shopska Salad and crusty bread.
More Casseroles
- Chicken Enchilada Potato Casserole
- Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole
- Wild Rice and Kale Chicken Casserole
ENJOY!
Tools used in this recipe
Meat and Potato Casserole {Traditional Macedonian Moussaka}
Ingredients
- 6 russett potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch round slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef, (hot pork sausage tastes great, too)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- Cook sliced potatoes in boiling salted water for 5 minutes; drain under cold water and cool immediately. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add onion; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef; break apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic.
- Add tomato paste and stir until completely incorporated.
- Season beef with paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- Layer 1/3 of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top the potatoes with half of the ground beef mixture.
- Spread 1/3 potato slices over beef.
- Add remaining beef mixture and top with last layer of potatoes. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs; then whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper; continue to whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the milk mixture over the potatoes.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until custard is set and potatoes are a golden brown.
- Let rest 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
A couple of years after you posted this, however i just have to say this has become a family favourite and i make this like 2times a month.
Thank you
That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Just tried this, was very nice however think it needed cheese, will definitely try this again. Thanks very much
I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
This isn’t a musaka! Musaka is a Greek dish with eggplants, potatoes, mince and bechamel sauce.. This is a typical fyrom plate not a musaka.
You do realise it’s an Ottoman dish, like most food in the Balkans (including ‘Greek’)? Educate yourself before commenting.
Duh! Read the title!!
any chance you have a milk substitute for this dish?
happy BD Katerina! 🙂 hugs
Can’t wait to prepare it! I’m making it for some friends tomorrow! Great blog Keti!
Thank you, Betche!! 🙂
yumm!!! i so enjoyed baking that 😀 thnxx a mil for the recipe!!!
http://phatimasbox.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/meat-and-potato-grain/
HI, Phatima! 🙂
Thank you very much… I am SO glad you enjoyed it!
This is a variation of moussaka (no eggplants here or minced meat) that my mom used to make when I was a kid and I loved that meal! Just got an idea for tomorrow’s menu!
Thank you for the great recipe. This has become a family favourite .
That is GREAT!! Thank you! 🙂
Just made this for the family and it was fab. Made a few changes though… used Turkey mince and put a layer of low fat mozzarella and light marscapone cheese sauce over each layer of potatoes. Also put some peas in with the meat. Thanks for posting!
That’s great! And YUM!! Your version sounds fantastic!
I hate when that happens! So disappointing!
Happy birthday again. 🙂 This looks delicious. I could eat way too much of this. Great choice for a celebratory meal. I always like comfort food on my birthday.
I wonder how this would be with some sort of cheese involvement? It sure looks yummy 🙂
I’m sure some cheese would make this dish extra special!! I would go with feta. 🙂
I was just trying to keep it real with this recipe…traditional, if you will. 🙂
Oh yes! I totally understand. I’d never even heard of moussaka until today 🙂
If you like one dish meals, and if you like meat and potatoes, give this moussaka a try. 🙂
It’s what’s for supper 🙂
Awesome! 🙂 Let me know what you think!
Happy Birthday! I haven’t made this in a long time and it’s long overdue! The first time I made it was when I was preggers-talk about risk! My recipes didn’t seem to come out right when I was pregnant,so I had my mom on speed-dial 🙂
Happy, happy birthday, Kate! The hubby would LOVE your moussaka…no eggplant! And I love a one dish meal…mmmmmmm. And I haven’t thought of Giordano’s pizza in years…so good 🙂
Belated Happy Birthday Katerina! =D
Its so cool that you are in my age group, I didn’t know. Your Moussaka looks incredible and we are totally into baked layered dishes at home.
Oh no I missed your b-day by one day. Sorry for my belated birthday wish, but I still want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I so wish to be celebrating 21 again, I don’t even remember how many years ago… lol. Still have no husband around so this sounds like a perfect easy dinner for three of us!
Happy happy birthday, Kate! 🙂 This looks like such a comforting gratin!
Happy Birthday!! Glad to see you’re still celebrating your 21st! I finally had to switch to a higher number. 🙂 What a great dish to celebrate your birthday with! Meat and potatoes – you can eat more comfort food than that!
Happy Happy Birthday!!!! Yay to being a January baby, we ROCK!!! I have never made moussaka, but it truly looks delicious! What a wonderful dish to enjoy for your special day! I hope your day is filled with happiness, smiles, and lots of laughter! Big hugs, Terra
Happy birthday! I’m not even going to tell you how many times I’ve celebrated 21. 🙂
It’s so interesting to see the differences in our dishes. Armenian moussaka is so incredibly different than this. It has the meat, we use eggplant, not potatoes, a white sauce and cheese. 🙂
Bon Anniversaire, Katerina! We’re the same age- I’m just a few months older. *grrr* :p
This dish looks scrumptious! Yay for eggs!! 😀
Merci beaucoup, Valerie!!
Happy Birthday! I have made my birthday meal and I love doing that–sharing what I love best with those I love best.
This looks delicious and something the family will definitely go for.
Thanks!
Happy Birthday Kate! Guess what? I’m 21 too! For the 15th time 😉 Your gratin looks divine – pinning!
Thank you, Shea!!! I love being 21! Again!! 😉
Happy Birthday Katerina!! Wishing you many, many more 21st birthdays. 🙂
Lovely Moussaka! See how far you have come from that first try so many moons ago. You got it down to a science now. 🙂
Hope you enjoyed every bite…. and some birthday cake. 🙂
Happy birthday! Enjoy your gratin-and hopefully some cake too!
Happy birthday!! This looks super delicious. What a yummy gratin!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATERINA! 🙂
I absolutely love moussaka. My mums moussaka always seems better than mine even though the recipe is the same. Mmmm……..I wonder why that is?
I don’t eat meat and I hardly ever eat potatoes but I will say this is the prettiest meat and potato gratin ever!
And happy 21st bday, again 🙂