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+ servings
Greek Moussaka

Heavenly Greek Moussaka That Will Warm Your Soul

Experience the layers of heavenly Greek Moussaka, with tender eggplant and creamy béchamel for a comforting dish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Vegetable Base
  • 2 medium Eggplants choose firm, glossy ones
  • 2 medium Potatoes
  • 1 large Zucchini
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Meat (Beef or Lamb) lean meat preferred
  • 1 medium Onion sweet red onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic freshly minced
  • 1 28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes canned varieties
  • 1/2 cup Red Wine
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tbsp Parsley fresh, chopped
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1/3 cup Flour
  • 2 cups Milk whole milk
  • 3 large Egg Yolks
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 1 cup Cheese (Kefalograviera or Parmesan) freshly grated

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • baking dish
  • paper towels

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the eggplants, zucchini, and potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Sprinkle eggplants with salt and let sit for about 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Fry the Vegetables: Heat oil in a skillet. Fry eggplant, zucchini, and potato slices until golden and tender, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Cook the Meat Sauce: Sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Brown the Ground Meat: Add ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Pour in red wine and simmer.
  5. Build the Meat Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, thyme, and parsley. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk until thickened. Whisk in egg yolks and nutmeg, then add cheese until melted.
  7. Layer the Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Layer potatoes, fried eggplant, zucchini, and meat sauce in a greased baking dish. Pour béchamel on top.
  8. Bake the Moussaka: Bake for 40-45 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the moussaka rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a green salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Rest the moussaka before slicing for better layering. Pair with a fresh green salad.

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