For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
- 400 grams ground pork
- 1 red bell pepper (or half of a large one), chopped
- 4 medium tomatoes, grated
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 glass of white wine
- A handful of cooked beans (optional)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
For the Potato Layer:
- 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Mozzarella cheese (divided – some under and some on top)
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and a splash of water. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the ground pork and cook until it changes color.
- Add the chopped red pepper and grated tomatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, a bay leaf, and rosemary.
- Pour in the white wine and add the beans and tomato paste.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Slice the potatoes thinly.
- In a bowl, season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Assemble the Moussaka:
- In an oven-safe baking dish, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle a layer of mozzarella.
- Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10–15 minutes.
- Add the Meat and Finish Baking:
- After the initial bake, remove the dish and spread the meat sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.