Go Back
+ servings
Greek Moussaka

Heartwarming Greek Moussaka: Comfort Food at Its Best

Indulge in Greek Moussaka, a layered dish featuring eggplant, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel, perfect for comforting meals and make ahead.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Vegetables
  • 2 medium Eggplants choose firm, glossy ones
  • 3 medium Potatoes provides a base layer
  • 2 medium Zucchini adds moisture and texture
For the Meat Sauce
  • 500 grams Ground Meat (Beef or Lamb) lean meat is best
  • 1 large Onion (Red) finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 400 grams Crushed Tomatoes canned are convenient
  • 150 ml Red Wine for added depth
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon use sparingly
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg use sparingly
  • 2 teaspoons Herbs (Oregano, Thyme, Parsley) mix for complexity
For the Topping
  • 200 grams Kefalograviera Cheese (or Parmesan) or substitutes like kasseri
  • 4 tablespoons Béchamel Sauce creamy topping made with butter, flour, and milk

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • large saucepan
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Slice the eggplants, zucchini, and potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Sprinkle salt on eggplant and let sit for 30 minutes to draw moisture.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Fry eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  3. In a saucepan, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground meat, cooking until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Pour in red wine and let simmer before adding crushed tomatoes and spices. Cook for 10-15 minutes.
  4. In another saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until thick and smooth. Stir in egg yolks, nutmeg, and cheese.
  5. Preheat oven to 165°C (330°F fan). Layer potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, meat sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until béchamel is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Let moussaka rest for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow moussaka to rest for perfect slicing. Serve with salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!