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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Beef » Easy Potato Moussaka With Eggplant

    Easy Potato Moussaka With Eggplant

    4.91 from 11 votes
    February 27, 2020 (last updated January 16, 2022) by Amina Al-Saigh

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    This easy eggplant and potato moussaka recipe is the ultimate comfort food! There are so many variations of eggplant moussaka out there (Greek, Turkish, Egyptian, etc.) but this particular eggplant moussaka recipe is a favorite at my house because of how easy and delicious it is. It's packed with authentic flavors and really... you can't stop eating it.

    Eggplant and potato moussaka in a casserole

    This recipe is a great casserole dinner if your family appreciates a casserole as much as mine. I typically always include a casserole on my menu if I'm hosting a dinner, and it's usually a toss up between this one, Egyptian goulash, or a Bechamel pasta bake. They're all ground beef recipes that always please a crowd.

    My favorite thing about this recipe is how you can taste each layer in every bite. The melting eggplant goodness with the meat mixture full of delicious spices, and the fluffy buttery potato layer. So good! Whenever I make this potato moussaka, I try and make 2 pans so I can stick one in the freezer for later.

    Eggplant and Potato Moussaka on a plate

    Tips to Make the Best Potato Moussaka:

    • Before slicing, peel the eggplant lengthwise but only every other ½ inch. That means leaving some peel on. This will help make it softer and easier to eat (rather than leaving it fully unpeeled). The eggplant peel can sometimes be hard to cut and chewy.
    • Make sure every layer is well seasoned - taste them all as you go!
    • Broil the top for a few minutes at the end to get the potato edges nice and crispy and add more texture
    • Allow the moussaka to stand for 20-30 minutes before serving and cutting into it so you can give nice and firm pieces.

    How to Store Moussaka and Make-Ahead Tips:

    • For leftovers, store in an air tight container and in the fridge. It should keep well for 3-4 days.
    • You can make this potato moussaka ahead of time and simply freeze it before baking and make sure you cover it well with plastic wrap. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake when ready to eat.
    • You can also prepare the separate layers the night before (if using for a dinner party, for example) and store them in separate containers in the fridge. The only thing I would make the day of is the potatoes so they're fluffy and easier to spread.

    For more Middle Eastern recipes, check out:

    • Middle Eastern Fattoush Salad
    • Eggplant Fatteh
    • Instant Pot Tomato Rice
    • Stuffed Onions

    Easy Potato Moussaka With Eggplant

    A delicious comfort dish made with baked eggplant, spiced meat, and fluffy mashed potatoes. So delicious and easy!
    4.91 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: middle eastern
    Keyword: easy eggplant moussaka
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 9 x13 baking dish, 10-12 pieces
    Author: Amina Al-Saigh

    Ingredients

    For the Eggplant:

    • 2 large eggplants
    • ½ cup vegetable oil for eggplant

    For the Potatoes:

    • 7 medium potatoes
    • 1 tbsp butter
    • ¼ cup milk
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    For the Meat Sauce:

    • 1 lb extra lean ground beef
    • 2 onions finely diced
    • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 tsp salt
    • ½ tsp pepper
    • 1 tbsp dried basil
    • 1 tbsp dried oregano
    • 2 tsp onion powder
    • 2 tsp garlic powder
    • 2 cups pasta sauce or thick tomato sauce

    Instructions

    • Start by washing the eggplant and trimming the ends. Then peel them lengthwise but only every other ½ inch. The result should be a "stripes" pattern.
    • Slice into ½ inch circles and lay on a parchment lined baking sheet in one layer. Add the oil and ensure they are well combined. Bake at 400F for 45 minutes until soft
    • Meanwhile peel the potatoes and boil for 30-40 minutes until soft when pierced with a fork
    • Mash using a potato masher and add the butter, milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until soft and creamy
    • For the meat mixture, saute the diced onions using the oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and the ground beef and cook until the meat is brown, about 5-7 minutes
    • Add all the other seasoning and the tomato sauce and cook for another few minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning
    • Layer the Moussaka with the eggplant first, then the meat mixture, and finally the potato. Add the potato in spoonfuls and gently flatten using a spoon. Create grooves on the top using a fork.
    • Bake in the oven uncovered at 400F for 25 mins, then broil the top for 5 mins. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving.

    Notes

    • You can also fry the eggplant, but ensure that you allow them to sweat first by sprinkling them with salt and allowing them to sit for 20 minutes. Then squeeze out the excess water before frying. After frying, using a paper towel to absorb the extra oil
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      Comments

    1. Nadia says

      December 24, 2020 at 6:34 pm

      5 stars
      This was such comforting meal. The potatoes with the meat and eggplant, my mouths watering just thinking about it. Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Amina says

        December 30, 2020 at 2:48 am

        Thanks so much for the feedback Nadia - really appreciate it!

        Reply
    2. Sarah says

      December 19, 2020 at 1:39 am

      I have intense feelings about this Moussaka - the I never want to share it with anyone kind, it was so so good!

      Reply
    3. Aisha says

      December 16, 2020 at 7:18 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for something different to cook and I thought I'd try this, it was SO straightforward and so tasty even the next day! My husband also loved it.

      Thank you so much Amina!

      Reply
    4. Samim V says

      December 15, 2020 at 8:51 pm

      5 stars
      I tried the mousaka recipe last week and everyone loved it. It’s really tasty comfort food. I’m gonna try the zatar honey chicken today , InshaAllah it’ll be a hit also. Love your recipes. They are very easy to follow and tasty . Jazakillah

      Reply
    5. Iza Noor says

      December 14, 2020 at 7:33 am

      4 stars
      Loved this recipe! I made it a bit different however. I added a bechamel sauce on top. Amazing!

      Reply
    6. LindaLee says

      November 26, 2020 at 1:42 am

      5 stars
      I keep saying I’m going to make this one and haven’t. I need to rectify that...like soon! You know I love (LOVE) eggplant & potatoes, so it’s a no brainer. I need to make a proper list of all your recipes I want to make...and the ones I keep on repeat. LOL Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the USA, so it’s turkey and stuffing for me, but I’m thinking I may have to pop in to the store to get the goods to make this on Friday.

      Reply
      • Amina says

        December 10, 2020 at 2:33 am

        LindaLee you always crack me up! Thank you so much for trusting my recipes! 🙂

        Reply
    7. d says

      October 17, 2020 at 4:03 am

      5 stars
      Came together super quick and was a hit with the kids! I used instant mashed potatoes and it tasted great, but will definitely try it with fresh potatoes next time.

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:45 am

        Amazing to hear! Thanks for the lovely review! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Mubina says

      August 30, 2020 at 11:05 pm

      5 stars
      Tried the moussaka recipe. Easy to make and so delicious.. thanks for sharing your recipes.

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:44 am

        Thank you for the lovely review Mubina! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Nabeela says

      August 11, 2020 at 1:53 am

      5 stars
      Made this today! Scrumptious

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:44 am

        Thank you Nabeela! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Jereen says

      June 17, 2020 at 2:50 am

      5 stars
      Tried this recipe for quarantine eid since I had so many eggplants to use up and personally love moussaka. My husband (picky eater and detest eggplant) loved this recipe. Took multiple huge portion sizes. Highly recommend.

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:43 am

        Wow! I hope we converted him 😉 Thanks so much for the review!

        Reply
    11. Sadaf ansari says

      May 14, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe for iftar .it was sooo delicious my whole family complimented. The top layer of mash potatoes was the best combination with the minced . I added little cheese before the top layer it tasted so rich. The receipe was easy n delicious.

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:43 am

        Thanks so much for the review Sadaf! The cheese addition sounds so good 🙂

        Reply
    12. Aym says

      May 09, 2020 at 7:23 am

      Super easy to make and soo soo divine! My whole family loved it 🙂

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:42 am

        Fantastic! Thanks so much for the lovely review 🙂

        Reply
    13. Zahraa says

      May 07, 2020 at 2:37 am

      5 stars
      i never knew it was possible to love eggplant more than i did but this recipe proved me wrong. easily one of my family's most favourite dishes!!!

      it was so good that everyone requested me to double the recipe to make more because it all disappeared in the shortest time when i made it and they all wished there was more left!!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        May 07, 2020 at 5:28 am

        That's the best thing to hear, Zahraa! So glad you all enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Bayan Shaheen says

      April 30, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this for iftar and made a large portion for only two people because I didn’t have a smaller oven tray lol but it was so good we had to put it on the table the second day and man was it good even as a leftover ???????????? the truth is I wish I saw this recipe earlier ????????‍♀️???? also I want to mention that it wasn’t just the taste but the easiness of making it that was very satisfying and comfortable ❤️

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:42 am

        What a wonderful thing to hear Bayan! Thank you so much! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Momina says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:15 am

      This was a super simple recipe and a great way to incorporate eggplant in our diet! So glad I came across your blog 🙂

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:41 am

        Awesome to hear Momina - thank you so much!

        Reply
    16. Sarra says

      April 18, 2020 at 12:59 am

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe, the whole family loved it.
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:41 am

        Thank you for the great review!

        Reply
    17. Aisha B says

      April 18, 2020 at 12:07 am

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe! New family favorite. Shared it with my sisters because anything eggplant is a fave.

      Reply
      • Amina says

        October 21, 2020 at 1:40 am

        Thank you Aisha! So glad to hear. Lots of eggplant recipes around here because I'm a huge fan too 🙂

        Reply
    18. Sana says

      March 06, 2020 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and so delicious!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        April 17, 2020 at 5:50 pm

        Thank you so much Sana!

        Reply
    19. Maha A says

      March 06, 2020 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      Made this the other day and my husband loved it so much! He ate half of the dish himself!
      It turned out so delicious and was ridiculously easy to make. I used a can of diced tomatoes, a couple tablespoons of tomato paste, 1/3-1/2 C of water and 7 spice(in addition to the spices listed) to make the sauce. It was perfect!
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        April 17, 2020 at 5:50 pm

        I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it (especially the husband)! Mine doe the same, haha! Thanks for a lovely review.

        Reply
      • Sarah says

        January 12, 2021 at 1:46 am

        5 stars
        This was a really good and comforting meal. Thank you so much Amina. I'm going to make it again soon and substitute cauliflower for the potatoes since my husband is on a diet 🙂

        Reply
    20. makewithmary says

      March 06, 2020 at 7:53 am

      5 stars
      Sooooo good, I made this recipe and it’s delish!!!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        April 17, 2020 at 5:39 pm

        It's one of my favourites! Thanks so much Mary!

        Reply
      • Sofy says

        December 28, 2020 at 2:48 am

        5 stars
        Amazing easy recipe! A must try! Thank you!🤗

        Reply
        • Amina says

          December 30, 2020 at 2:47 am

          Thanks so much for the feedback Sofy!

    Newer Comments »

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    Hi friend! I'm Amina, a wife and busy mother of two. And I know you're super busy too. I'm here to help you figure out dinner for your family with my easy, quick, and Middle Eastern inspired recipes. Hope you enjoy your stay - and please - have a look around and get in touch!

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