Description
A comforting one-pot moussaka beef rice pilaf made with seasoned ground beef, tender eggplant, fluffy rice, and a creamy golden topping. This hearty Mediterranean inspired dish delivers layers of savory flavor and satisfying texture in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in diced eggplant, crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add uncooked rice and 1 1/2 cups water. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the egg along with half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan cheese.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the rice and beef base.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Allow the dish to rest before serving for cleaner slices.
- Measure liquid carefully to prevent mushy rice.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg