Classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka Recipe
	
	
		A classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka recipe that features layers of roasted eggplant, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel, baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish is a comforting and flavorful Mediterranean favorite.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Rita
 
							- Prep Time: 45 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 1 hour
 
							- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
 
							- Yield: 8 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Main Dish
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: Greek
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			For the Eggplant:
- 3 large eggplants (about 1.5kg/3.3lbs), sliced lengthwise ¼-inch thick
 
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
 
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
 
- Black pepper to taste
 
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb 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
 
For the Béchamel:
- 4 tablespoons butter
 
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
 
- 2½ cups warm milk
 
- 2 large eggs
 
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
 
- ½ teaspoon salt
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare the Eggplant: Salt the eggplant slices and let them drain for 30 minutes. Pat dry, brush with olive oil, and roast at 400°F/200°C for 20 minutes.
 
- Make the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground meat, add onions, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
 
- Prepare the Béchamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add warm milk gradually, whisking until thickened. Temper eggs, whisk into sauce, season with nutmeg and salt.
 
- Assemble the Moussaka: Layer eggplant, meat sauce, remaining eggplant, and béchamel in a baking dish.
 
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C, bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- You can sprinkle some grated cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
 
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
 
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat in the meat sauce.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 serving
 
							- Calories: 380
 
							- Sugar: 8g
 
							- Sodium: 710mg
 
							- Fat: 21g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 10g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 28g
 
							- Fiber: 9g
 
							- Protein: 23g
 
							- Cholesterol: 125mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: Greek, Eggplant Moussaka, Mediterranean, Baked Dish, Comfort Food