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One-Pot Moussaka Beef Rice Pilaf

A bowl of beef, eggplant, chickpeas and rice pilaf sprinkled with parsley.
A serving of moussaka-inspired beef rice pilaf.

Beef, eggplant, chickpeas and basmati rice simmer together in a garlicky tomato broth with oregano and red wine for a satisfying one-pot meal.

By Cookin' KitchenUpdated

  • Total: 1 hour
  • Servings: 5 servings

Recipe

One-Pot Moussaka Beef Rice Pilaf

Beef, eggplant, chickpeas and basmati rice simmer together in a garlicky tomato broth with oregano and red wine for a satisfying one-pot meal.

Cookin' · https://cookin.club/recipes/one-pot-moussaka-beef-rice-pilaf

Prep
15 minutes
Cook
35 minutes
Rest
10 minutes
Total
1 hour
Servings
5

Ingredients

5 servings

For 5 servings

For the pilaf

To serve

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Lid

Instructions

Method

  1. Step 1: Cut the eggplant into cubes no larger than 1.5 cm / 1/2 inch, so they cook through.

    Eggplant cut into cubes on a cutting board.
  2. Step 2: Heat the oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until you no longer see red. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the oregano; cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

    Two cooking scenes: eggplant being cut into cubes and beef mixture cooking in a pot.

    Tip: Cook the tomato paste for the full minute to develop its flavor.

  3. Step 3: Add the eggplant and toss until the cubes are coated in the beef juices. Add the wine, bring it to a simmer, and stir while scraping the base of the pot. Let the wine mostly evaporate.

    Beef and eggplant cooking in a pot, followed by rice being added.
  4. Step 4: Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the remaining ingredients and stir, then bring to a simmer. Give it one last stir. When gentle bubbles appear across the surface, not just around the edge, cover the pot and turn the heat down to medium-low, or low if using a strong stove.

    Tomato and liquid being added to a pot, followed by the pot being covered.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 20 minutes without peeking or stirring. The liquid should be absorbed, though a layer of tomato may remain on the surface.

    A covered pot followed by the cooked pilaf inside the pot.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pot from the stove and rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. The remaining liquid will be absorbed and the rice will finish cooking.

  7. Step 7: Toss the rice, then divide it between bowls. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

Variations and storage

Lamb works in place of beef; chicken, turkey or pork are also options, though the flavor will be different. Long- or medium-grain rice can replace basmati. Short-grain or sushi rice will turn out softer, and the recipe is not suitable as written for brown, risotto, paella, wild or black rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

If you are concerned about eggplant bitterness, toss the cubes with 1/4 teaspoon salt and leave them in a colander for 30 minutes. Pat dry before cooking. Leftovers keep for 3 days; add a sprinkle of water when reheating to loosen the rice.

Nutrition per serving

Calories
458 kcal
Fat
13 g
Saturated fat
3 g
Carbohydrates
53 g
Sugar
8 g
Fiber
8 g
Protein
31 g
Sodium
986 mg
Cholesterol
62 mg

Estimated values; they will vary with the exact ingredients and brands you use.

About this recipe

This one-pot beef and rice pilaf brings together eggplant, chickpeas and basmati rice in a tomato broth seasoned with garlic and oregano. Red wine adds depth, and the rice cooks in the same pot as the beef and vegetables.

Beef rice pilaf with eggplant and chickpeas in a cooking pot, with a serving spoon.
The finished pilaf in the pot.
A whole dark-purple eggplant held over a pale surface.
A whole eggplant.
Ingredients arranged for the pilaf, including beef, rice, chickpeas, tomatoes, stock, wine, garlic and onion.
Ingredients for the beef rice pilaf.

The dish takes inspiration from moussaka flavors, with juicy eggplant and rice that absorbs the savory broth. Serve it with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil; Greek yogurt is optional.

Close-up of rice pilaf with beef, eggplant, chickpeas and chopped parsley.
A close view of the cooked pilaf.

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