Description
Greek Moussaka is a classic Mediterranean casserole featuring layers of tender eggplant, savory spiced meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for special occasions or satisfying family meals.
Ingredients
- 2–3 eggplants, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the béchamel sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or kefalotyri cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice eggplants, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
- Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and roast or fry until golden. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20–30 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
- To make the béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg, salt, cheese, and beaten egg yolks.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the eggplant, spread the meat sauce over, then layer remaining eggplant. Pour béchamel sauce on top and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden and set. Let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Salt and drain eggplant thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Use ground beef, lamb, or a mix of both for varied flavor.
- Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months; thaw before baking or reheating.
- Let rest after baking for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
