Description
This authentic Greek moussaka layers roasted eggplant, savory spiced meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping for the ultimate comfort food casserole. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or entertaining
Ingredients
For the Eggplant Layer
3 large eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Olive oil, for brushing
Salt, for drawing out moisture
For the Meat Sauce
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup red wine (optional, or substitute broth)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
½ cup grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese
2 egg yolks
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt & white pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the eggplant: Salt eggplant slices and let sit for 20–30 minutes. Pat dry, brush with olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Cook the meat sauce: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add meat and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, wine, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Make the béchamel: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat, add cheese, nutmeg, and seasonings. Let cool slightly, then whisk in egg yolks.
Assemble: In a greased 9×13-inch dish, layer half the roasted eggplant, all the meat sauce, the remaining eggplant, and then the béchamel sauce. Smooth the top.
Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Rest & serve: Let rest 20 minutes before slicing to help layers set. Serve warm.
Notes
Lamb gives the most authentic flavor, but beef, turkey, or chicken work too.
For a vegetarian version, substitute lentils or mushrooms for the meat.
Resting time is essential—don’t skip it, or the layers will slide when serving.
Freezer-friendly: Bake, cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in oven at 350°F.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110g
Keywords: Greek moussaka, authentic moussaka recipe, comfort food casserole