Description
A classic Greek dish featuring tender roasted eggplant, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel topping. Perfect for chilly nights and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 medium-sized eggplants
- Olive oil
- Salt
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 14 oz can crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 large egg yolks
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out bitterness. Pat dry, brush with olive oil, and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, spices, and wine. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly, until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg and Parmesan, then whisk in egg yolks.
- Grease a baking dish. Layer roasted eggplant, followed by half the meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel spread evenly on top.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
[‘Salting the eggplant improves flavor and texture.’, ‘Whole milk makes the béchamel creamier.’, ‘Let the moussaka rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.’, ‘Moussaka tastes better the next day; assemble and refrigerate overnight.’, ‘Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating.’]
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Greek Moussaka, Comfort Food, Mediterranean Recipe, Eggplant Recipe, Make-Ahead Meal