Discover the comforting flavors of Bulgarian Moussaka, a hearty and beloved Balkan classic that promises to become a family favorite. This layered casserole features tender cubes of potatoes combined with flavorful ground pork (or a pork and beef mixture), seasoned with paprika, fresh parsley, and a rich tomato paste base. What truly sets it apart is the golden topping of creamy yogurt whisked with eggs and flour, creating a luscious, slightly tangy crust that bakes to perfection. Simple yet satisfying, this oven-baked dish is easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. Serve this savory delight warm, garnished with fresh parsley, and pair it with a crisp green salad or rustic bread for a complete, authentic Bulgarian experience. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this one-pan wonder brings the flavors of Eastern Europe straight to your table.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, evenly sized cubes (about 1 cm). Set them aside.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the ground pork (or pork and beef mixture) to the skillet. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and no longer raw, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Add half of the chopped parsley and mix to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes with the cooked ground meat mixture. Mix everything well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Transfer the potato and meat mixture into a greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches or similar). Spread it evenly across the dish.
Pour the 500 ml of water over the mixture in the baking dish, then cover it with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
While the moussaka is baking, make the yogurt topping. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, plain yogurt, and flour until smooth and well combined.
After 30 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Spread the yogurt topping evenly over the surface of the dish. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly set.
Remove the moussaka from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy your Bulgarian Moussaka with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread.
Calories |
3766 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 182.7 g | 234% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.4 g | 292% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 756 mg | 252% | |
| Sodium | 4469 mg | 194% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 380.3 g | 138% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.7 g | 138% | |
| Total Sugars | 57.0 g | ||
| Protein | 161.4 g | 323% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.9 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 1190 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 26.1 mg | 145% | |
| Potassium | 11241 mg | 239% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.