Classic Moussaka

Savor the rich tastes of Classic Moussaka, a traditional Greek dish with layers of seasoned ground meat (usually lamb or beef), sliced eggplant, and potatoes, covered with creamy béchamel sauce and baked till golden and bubbling for a cozy and filling dinner.

Ingredients:

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds

1 lb ground lamb

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup red wine

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp allspice

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange eggplant slices on baking sheets, brush with olive oil, and season with salt. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender.

In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.

For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and egg.

In a baking dish, layer eggplant slices, lamb mixture, and béchamel sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel sauce.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden. Let cool for 20 minutes before serving.

Recipe Card

Classic Moussaka

Savor the rich tastes of Classic Moussaka, a traditional Greek dish with layers of seasoned ground meat (usually lamb or beef), sliced eggplant, and potatoes, covered with creamy béchamel sauce and baked till golden and bubbling for a cozy and filling dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggplants sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Béchamel Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg beaten

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange eggplant slices on baking sheets, brush with olive oil, and season with salt. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  • For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and egg.
  • In a baking dish, layer eggplant slices, lamb mixture, and béchamel sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel sauce.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden. Let cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Keyword Classic Moussaka
  • Carrot Walnut Cake

    Carrot Walnut Cake

    Carrot Walnut Cake is a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, moist, and nutty flavors. The blend of grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic cinnamon makes for an irresistible cake that is ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a simple family dessert or impressing guests at a gathering, this…

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: The Perfect Dessert for All Occasions!

    Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: The Perfect Dessert for All Occasions!

    If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress a crowd, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your answer. This delightful cake combines the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all topped with a buttery, golden cake layer. It’s a perfect dessert for when you’re short…

  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a must-try dish that brings together juicy, perfectly seared steak bites and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that will have your taste buds singing. This quick and easy meal is ideal for busy weeknights, yet sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party. Pair it with…

Leave a Comment

Rate This Recipe!