Moussaka with Potatoes

Our lazy deconstructed Bulgarian Moussaka with Potatoes recipe is one of our favorite comfort foods and reminds us of home. This dish is not to be confused with the beautiful layered Greek moussaka. Traditional Bulgarian Moussaka with Potatoes is made with a bechamel sauce on top and baked in the oven. When we were small, we always picked off the top bechamel layer, so our mom eventually gave up and started making our great grandmother’s version, which is what you see here. This recipe is comfort food at its finest. Potatoes, ground meat, onions, garlic, and all the flavors of moussaka made into a dippable one-pot wonder.

What stands out

This version of Moussaka with Potatoes is amazingly quick, suited to a weeknight when you need dinner fast. It’s cozy and comforting full of warming flavors and hearty ingredients. This recipe only takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish, so you know you can get a nourishing, filling meal on the table in less than a hour. What we love most about this one skillet lunch or dinner is that you can grab a fresh loaf of bread and dip away.

How to Prepare Moussaka with Potatoes

Begin by using a sharp knife to finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Now peel and chop the potatoes and then dice the carrots, if using.

In a big pot over medium-high heat, add the oil and the ground meat of choice.

Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces while cooking, until the liquid has fully evaporated and the meat is brown, about 10 minutes.

Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and then stir in the onions and garlic.

Now, add the paprika, oregano salt and pepper and stir.

Add the tomato paste and stir. Add then stir in the tomato sauce.

Then add the potatoes and carrots, if using, and stir.

Now, add water or broth, making sure the meat and potatoes are just covered with liquid. Then let the contents come to a slight boil.

Once bubbling, reduce the heat and then let simmer on medium-low heat for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are cooked. Be sure to taste and adjust for salt.

Garnish with parsley and enjoy with fresh bread.

Kitchen tip

You can use any kind of ground meat including beef, pork, lamb, veal, or turkey in this recipe. Your favorite plant-based ground would also work well!

Swaps

1. Add finely chopped zucchini and/or eggplant along with the potatoes and carrots.
2. Coat the dish with a thin layer of bechamel sauce and pop it under the oven broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until spotted brown all over.
3. Try making this with ground beef, pork, lamb or a combination of 1 or 2 ground meats.
4. In Bulgaria, we actually use summer savory which we call “chubritza” as a seasoning but we replaced it with oregano for those that are unfamiliar with it.
5. You can add jalapeños to make it a spicier stew.
6. You can definitely make this dish vegetarian by using a plant-based ground meat. If you want to throw a bay leaf into the moussaka as it cooks, you are more than welcome to.

Serve it with

• For a Bulgarian feast, serve this with a fresh Shopska Salad.
• Our No Knead Peasant Bread is suited to soaking up all the flavors of this stew-like dish.
• A Greek Salad served alongside the Moussaka with Potatoes makes for a hearty, filling meal.

Questions

Can we make this ahead of time?

Although fresh is best, this meal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave or in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat. You may want to add a bit of water to loosen up and rehydrate the leftovers.

What kind of meat can we use for this Moussaka with potatoes recipe?

You can use any kind of ground meat, including beef, pork, lamb, veal, or turkey.

can we make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can certainly make this recipe vegetarian by using a ground meat substitute.

can we freeze moussaka with potatoes?

We haven’t tried freezing this meal but we don’t see why it wouldn’t freeze well. If you try freezing it, try with a smaller portion to see how you like it reheated.

what type of tomato sauce did you use in this recipe?

The tomato sauce we added in is our homemade a strong Italian Tomato Sauce, which is only made with tomatoes, salt and basil. Please choose a good quality jar of sauce or Passata that is clean in ingredients.

what other ingredients can we add to this stew?

Diced eggplant, zucchini, sweet potato or even jalapenos would also be in this Moussaka recipe.

what should we serve this Mousakka with potatoes with?

Traditionally, we serve this with a loaf of fresh bread to scoop it all up with. In Bulgaria, we also love to add plain yogurt on top or on the side as it’s extremely refreshing.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 500 grams ground beef, or pork, turkey, lamb
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dry oregano
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 4 large yellow potatoes, finely cubed (about 1 pound or 5 cups)
• 1 carrot, diced (optional)
• 3 ½ cups water, or vegetable broth
• fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt, for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Nakiri Knife
• Cutting Board
• Cast Iron Pot
• Redmond Real Salt
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Liquid Measuring Cup

Method

1. In a big pot over medium-high heat, add the oil and the ground meat of choice. Let cook, using a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces, until the liquid has fully evaporated and the meat is brown, about 10 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the onions and garlic and stir. Add the paprika and oregano and season with salt and pepper and stir. Add the tomato paste and stir. Add the tomato sauce and stir. We want you to stir in between each ingredient.
3. Add the potatoes and carrots, if using, and stir. Add water or broth. Make sure the meat and potatoes are just covered with liquid. Let the contents come to a slight boil.
4. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let simmer on medium-low heat for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are cooked. Be sure to taste and adjust for salt. Garnish with parsley and enjoy with fresh bread.
5. In Bulgaria, we love adding yogurt on top or eating it with plain yogurt on the side as it’s extremely refreshing but feel free to enjoy it as is if you wish.