Description
Indulge in the flavors of Greece with this comforting Classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka. Layers of roasted eggplant, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel come together in this traditional baked casserole dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Eggplant Layer:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Roast the Eggplant: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush eggplant slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and browned. Set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground meat, tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, spices, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened. Stir in parsley.
- Make the Béchamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add warm milk. Season, stir in cheese, and slowly whisk in egg. Set aside.
- Assemble: Layer eggplant, meat sauce, remaining eggplant, and béchamel in a baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling. Rest for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Moussaka can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute lentils or mushrooms for the meat.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
