Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this authentic Greek Moussaka recipe! Layers of roasted eggplant, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel come together in this outrageously delicious dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dish:
- 2 large eggplants (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven and roast eggplant: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange eggplant slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and roast until tender and browned.
- Cook meat sauce: Brown ground meat and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, spices, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Make béchamel sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add warm milk gradually, and cook until thickened. Stir in nutmeg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cool slightly, then whisk in beaten egg.
- Assemble moussaka: Layer eggplant, meat sauce, and remaining eggplant in a baking dish. Pour béchamel over the top, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake.
- Rest and serve: Let the moussaka rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute zucchini for eggplant or use a mix of both.
- Ground turkey can be used for a leaner version.
- Moussaka tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
