Serbian Moussaka is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and packed with layers of potatoes, seasoned ground meat, and a luscious egg custard on top. Unlike Greek moussaka, which uses eggplant, the Serbian version keeps it simple with thinly sliced potatoes, making it an easy and satisfying dish for any night of the week. If you’re craving something cozy, rich, and incredibly delicious, this one’s for you!
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Why You’ll Love Easy Serbian Moussaka
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples—no fancy ingredients needed.
Easy to Make: Just layer, bake, and enjoy! No complicated steps.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, savory, and full of flavor, perfect for a cozy meal.
Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Family Favorite: A hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients in Easy Serbian Moussaka
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:
Potatoes: Thinly sliced to create soft, creamy layers.
Ground Beef or Pork: Adds rich, savory flavor to every bite.
Onion: Brings a hint of sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Enhances the dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
Eggs: Used in the custard topping for a creamy, golden finish.
Milk or Sour Cream: Creates a rich, velvety texture in the topping.
Oil or Butter: Helps sauté the meat and adds extra flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the best flavors.
Paprika: A must-have in Serbian cuisine, adding warmth and depth.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, then set them aside.
Cook the Meat Mixture: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, ground meat, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned, then remove from heat.
Layer the Moussaka: In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of potatoes, followed by a layer of the meat mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of potatoes.
Make the Custard Topping: In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk (or sour cream) and a pinch of salt.
Pour & Bake: Pour the custard evenly over the layered potatoes and meat. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until golden and set.
Rest & Serve: Let the moussaka sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Serbian Moussaka
With a Fresh Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad balances the richness.
With Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
With Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of yogurt or sour cream adds a refreshing tang.
As a Main Dish: This moussaka is hearty enough to be served on its own.
Additional Tips
Use a Mandoline: For perfectly even potato slices.
Let It Rest: Allowing the moussaka to sit after baking helps the layers set.
Make It Ahead: Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Try Different Meats: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add Cheese: A sprinkle of grated cheese on top before baking makes it extra indulgent.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use another type of meat?
A1: Yes! You can swap ground beef for pork, turkey, or chicken.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble it, refrigerate overnight, and bake when needed.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze Serbian Moussaka?
A4: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Use a dairy-free milk alternative for the custard.
Q7: What’s the best way to cut the potatoes?
A7: A sharp knife or mandoline slicer works best for thin, even slices.
Q8: Can I add vegetables?
A8: Absolutely! Try adding grated carrots or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
Q9: Do I have to peel the potatoes?
A9: No, but peeling them gives a smoother texture.
Q10: Can I make this in a smaller batch?
A10: Yes! Just halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Serbian Moussaka is pure comfort food simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Serbian tradition!
Print
Easy Serbian Moussaka
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Serbian
Description
This hearty and flavorful Serbian moussaka is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef and pork, and a rich, creamy topping come together to create a warm, satisfying dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
Meat Filling:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 small yellow onions, diced
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Potato Layer:
- 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Creamy Topping:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and red bell pepper and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and pork, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked (about 15 minutes).
- Stir in garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare the Potato Layer:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with vegetable oil, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Assemble the Moussaka:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer ⅓ of the potato slices evenly on the bottom.
- Spread half of the meat filling over the potatoes.
- Add another ⅓ of the potatoes, followed by the remaining meat filling.
- Finish with a final layer of potatoes, covering the top evenly.
Bake the Moussaka (Covered):
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
Prepare the Creamy Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth.
Final Bake (Uncovered):
- Remove the dish from the oven and discard the foil.
- Pour the creamy topping evenly over the potatoes.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the topping is set and golden brown.
Rest & Serve:
- Let the moussaka rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Notes
- For extra richness, add ½ cup shredded cheese on top before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Letting it rest before serving helps the layers hold together better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 185mg