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Classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka Recipe

Classic Greek Eggplant Moussaka Recipe

5 from 19 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Make the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground meat, add onions, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
  3. 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.
  4. Assemble the Moussaka: Layer eggplant, meat sauce, remaining eggplant, and béchamel in a baking dish.
  5. 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

Keywords: Greek, Eggplant Moussaka, Mediterranean, Baked Dish, Comfort Food