Simple Moussaka Recipe
Description
Moussaka is a comforting Mediterranean casserole made with layers of tender eggplant, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping. This simple version keeps the authentic flavor while making the process easier for everyday home cooking.
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is filling, flavorful, and even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants (sliced into rounds)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- 400 g ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 400 g crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- ½ tbsp cinnamon ((optional, but authentic))
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 40 g butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 500 ml milk
- 1 egg
- 50 g grated Parmesan (or any hard cheese)
- Salt and a pinch of nutmeg
For the eggplant
For the meat sauce
For the béchamel sauce
Instructions
- 1 Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes
- 2
Pat dry to remove excess moisture- 3
Brush with olive oil and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15–20 minutes until softCook the meat sauce- 4
Sauté onion and garlic in a pan until soft- 5
Add ground meat and cook until browned- 6
Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon- 7
Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickMake the béchamel- 8
Melt butter in a saucepan- 9
Add flour and cook for 1 minute- 10
Gradually whisk in milk- 11
Cook until thick and smooth- 12
Remove from heat, add egg and cheese, mix wellAssemble the moussaka- 13
Layer eggplant → meat sauce → eggplant- 14
Pour béchamel evenly on top- 15
Smooth the surfaceBake- 16
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes- 17
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing - 2
Prepare the eggplant