Description
Greek Moussaka is a comforting, layered Mediterranean casserole made with fried vegetables, savory meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- Olive oil, for frying and sautéing
- 2 potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 eggplants, sliced and salted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Kefalograviera cheese, grated (or Parmesan/Kasseri/Pecorino)
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 egg yolks
Instructions
- Slice eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Salt the eggplant and let sit for 30 minutes. Pat dry.
- Fry all vegetables in batches with olive oil until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add ground beef/lamb and brown thoroughly. Pour in wine and simmer until reduced.
- Add crushed tomatoes, white pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and parsley. Simmer until thick. Remove bay leaves.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until thick. Stir in cheese, egg yolks, and nutmeg. Cook until smooth.
- In a greased baking dish, layer potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and more eggplant. Season and sprinkle cheese between layers.
- Spread meat sauce evenly over the layers.
- Top with béchamel sauce and smooth out.
- Bake at 165°C (fan-forced) for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use lamb for a more traditional flavor, or combine it with beef.
- Bake veggies for a lighter version instead of frying.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach between layers for variation.
- Let the dish rest after baking for clean slices and better texture.
- Freeze portions after baking for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
