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