Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Traditional Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka: The Ultimate 5-Layer Recipe

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

– 2 medium eggplants, sliced
– 1 pound ground beef or lamb
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 cup béchamel sauce (recipe below)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 tablespoons butter (for the béchamel)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for the béchamel)
– 2 cups milk (for the béchamel)
– A pinch of nutmeg (for the béchamel)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Traditional Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka:

1. Prepare the Eggplant: Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Sauté the Eggplant: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the eggplant slices and sauté until they are lightly browned and soft. Set aside to cool.
3. Cook the Meat: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Add Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for around 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
5. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Layer the Moussaka:
– Spread half of the eggplant slices on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
– Add the meat mixture evenly over the eggplant.
– Layer the remaining eggplant on top of the meat.
– Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the moussaka for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the moussaka cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.

  • Author: abd.bendahi@gmail.com
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 servings
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Fat: 25g
  • Protein: 20g