Paleo Moussaka: Grain-Free Greek Layered Bake
The simplicity of the flavors and heartiness of the ingredients of tis Paleo Moussaka Recipe is perfect for a cold day.
Equipment
Large deep skillet (12-inch / 30cm)
Large baking dish (9x13 inch / 23x33cm)
Sharp knife or mandoline for slicing yam
Medium mixing bowl
Aluminium foil
Spatula or large serving spoon
Ingredients
½ pound ground pork (minced pork) - minced pork, 225g
½ pound ground beef (minced beef) - minced beef, 225g- ½ pound spicy Italian-style sausage - casings removed and chopped, ensure Paleo-compliant with no fillers or sugar, 225g
1 medium yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 stalk celery- 1 ¼ cups tomato-based pasta sauce - 2.5ml, no added sugar for Paleo compliance
- 1 large yam
3 medium eggs
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch salt - to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
- In a deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat.2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Finely chop the onion and celery stalk and mince the garlic cloves.1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 stalk celery
- Add the onion to melted oil and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.1 medium yellow onion
- Add in the garlic, black pepper, turmeric, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Mix for 1–2 minutes over medium-high heat until fragrant.2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Reduce heat to medium and add the ground pork, ground beef, and chopped celery to the skillet.1/2 pound ground pork (minced pork), 1/2 pound ground beef (minced beef), 1 stalk celery
- Cook for 7–8 minutes until most of the meat has cooked through and is no longer pink. Season with salt to taste.1/2 pound ground pork (minced pork), 1/2 pound ground beef (minced beef), 1 pinch salt
- Add the tomato sauce and the chopped spicy sausage. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.1 1/4 cups tomato-based pasta sauce, 1/2 pound spicy Italian-style sausage
- Let simmer, stirring often, for another 5–7 minutes.
- Wash the large yam and without peeling, cut the entire yam into 1/4 inch (6mm) thick circular slices.1 large yam
- In a large 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish, build layers: spread one-quarter of the meat mixture on the bottom, then arrange a single layer of yam slices on top. Repeat three more times, finishing with a final layer of yam slices on top.1 large yam
- Whisk together 3 eggs in a bowl and pour over the top layer of yams.3 medium eggs
- Cover with aluminium foil and put into the oven for 30–35 minutes.
- Check with a fork that the yams are soft and cooked through at the 35-minute mark, then remove foil and cook for another 5–7 minutes — careful not to burn the top layer!
- Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes.
- Cut with a sharp knife into 8 evenly sized pieces and serve using a spatula or large serving spoon.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate tightly covered for up to 4 days. Flavours improve overnight as the layers settle.
Freezing: Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The egg topping softens slightly but holds together.
Reheating: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F / 175°C for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes.
Make-ahead: Assemble the full dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add 5–10 minutes to the covered bake time when starting from cold.
Pro tip: Brown the meat in batches without stirring constantly — let it sit on the pan long enough to develop deep colour before adding the tomato sauce. This caramelisation adds a richness that simmering alone cannot achieve.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 351kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 18gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 123mgSodium: 523mgPotassium: 413mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 263IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg
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