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Delicious One Pot Moussaka Beef Rice Pilaf with eggplant and seasoned beef

One Pot Moussaka Beef Rice Pilaf

A cozy and filling one pot meal inspired by traditional moussaka, featuring flavorful beef, rice, and warm spices, all cooked together for a simple and delicious dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef Lean is easiest, but any works if you drain extra fat.
  • 1 cup Long grain white rice Rinse for fluffier results.
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste Builds a deeper flavor.
  • 1 can Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce Both work, crushed for heartier texture.
  • 2 cups Beef broth Chicken broth works too in a pinch.
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 pinch Cinnamon Just a pinch for warm flavor.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • optional Chopped parsley or dill for serving
  • optional A squeeze of lemon For brightness at the end.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large pot with a bit of oil if your beef is very lean. Cook the ground beef until no longer pink. If there is a lot of fat, carefully spoon some off.
  2. Add diced onion and cook a few minutes until it softens. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
  4. Add oregano, a pinch of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking
  1. Pour in crushed tomatoes (or sauce) and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Stir in the rinsed rice.
  3. Cover with a lid, turn heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, avoiding frequent lid lifting.
  4. After simmering, turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes with the lid on.
Finishing Touches
  1. Fluff rice with a fork, taste, and adjust salt if needed.
  2. Garnish with herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water.