Description
Indulge in this Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka recipe, featuring layers of eggplant, minced beef, and creamy bechamel sauce. A classic Greek dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Vegetable Base
- 2 cups olive oil for frying
- 4 potatoes, sliced
- 4 zucchini, sliced
- 4 eggplants, sliced
- 200g Kefalograviera cheese, finely shredded
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp pepper
Meat Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium garlic bulb, minced
- 1 kg beef mince
- 1 cup red wine
- 800g crushed canned tomatoes
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
Bechamel
- 150g unsalted butter
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 litre milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 250g Kefalograviera cheese, finely shredded
Instructions
- Vegetable Base: Slice and fry the vegetables until golden brown.
- Meat Sauce: Cook onion, garlic, beef, then add wine, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer.
- Bechamel: Make a roux, add milk, yolks, nutmeg, and cheese. Cook until thick.
- Assembly: Layer potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, meat sauce, and bechamel. Bake.
- Let it rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Cheese Substitute: Parmesan, Kasseri, or Pecorino can replace Kefalograviera.
- Veggie Tips: Fry vegetables in batches and drain well to avoid sogginess.
- Meat Sauce Flavor: Cinnamon and nutmeg are key for the signature taste.
- Bechamel Hack: Stir constantly to avoid lumps; strain if needed.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the moussaka to rest for at least 30 minutes after baking.
- Make Ahead: Assemble a day in advance and bake for richer flavor.
- Freezer-Friendly: Cool, slice, and freeze for later reheating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg