Homemade Greek Moussaka

Homemade Greek Moussaka Recipe: A Classic Mediterranean Delight

Bring the rich flavors of Greece to your table with this authentic Greek moussaka recipe. Layers of roasted eggplants, hearty ground beef, and creamy béchamel sauce come together in this comforting Mediterranean dish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Greece.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the eggplants:

• 3 medium eggplants

• Olive oil (for brushing)

• Salt

For the meat sauce:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground allspice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the béchamel sauce:

• 50 g (1/4 cup) butter

• 50 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour

• 500 ml (2 cups) milk, warm

• 2 egg yolks

• 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese

• Nutmeg (a pinch)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Slice the eggplants into 1 cm thick rounds, brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with salt.

3. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20–25 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, canned tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes until thickened and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.

2. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, egg yolks, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Moussaka

1. Lower the oven temperature to 180°C (360°F).

2. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplants on the bottom.

3. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the eggplants. Add a second layer of eggplants on top.

4. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top layer, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the béchamel is golden and bubbling.

2. Allow the moussaka to cool slightly before serving to make slicing easier.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Moussaka

• For an authentic flavor, you can substitute lamb for the ground beef.

• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top of the béchamel before baking for a crisp topping.

• Serve with a fresh Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Why You’ll Love This Moussaka Recipe

This moussaka is the ultimate Greek comfort food, perfect for dinner parties or cozy family nights. Its rich layers of eggplants, meat, and creamy sauce create a flavor-packed dish that will make your taste buds sing! Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.