Description
Classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka is a traditional layered casserole with roasted eggplant, rich spiced meat sauce, and creamy béchamel topping, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
3 large eggplants (about 1.5kg/3.3 lbs), sliced lengthwise ¼-inch thick
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Black pepper, to taste
1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (400g/14oz) diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons (60g) butter
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
2½ cups (600ml) warm milk
2 large eggs
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Salt sliced eggplant and let drain on paper towels for 30 minutes. Pat dry.
- Brush eggplant with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Brown ground meat in skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20 minutes until thickened.
- Melt butter in saucepan; whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until bubbling.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk; cook 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Temper eggs by slowly whisking some béchamel into beaten eggs; return egg mixture to sauce. Season with nutmeg and salt.
- Layer half the roasted eggplant in greased 9×13 inch dish. Spread meat sauce evenly over eggplant.
- Layer remaining eggplant over meat sauce. Pour béchamel evenly on top and smooth out.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing for clean layers.
Notes
Salt and drain eggplant slices to remove bitterness and moisture.
Béchamel should coat the back of a spoon thickly.
Temper eggs before adding to béchamel to prevent curdling.
Let baked moussaka rest to set before slicing.
- Prep Time: 45–60 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
