Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka
Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka is a rich, layered casserole featuring tender vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant, a spiced meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting, show-stopping dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 40–45 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: Around 2 hours
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Vegetable Base
Olive oil (for frying)
Potatoes
Zucchini
Eggplants
Kefalograviera cheese (finely shredded; substitutes: Parmesan, kasseri, pecorino)
Salt
Pepper
Meat Sauce
Olive oil
Red onion (finely chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Beef mince
Red wine
Crushed canned tomatoes
Salt
White pepper
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Sugar
Thyme
Oregano
Bay leaves
Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Béchamel
Unsalted butter
Plain flour
Milk
Egg yolks
Nutmeg
Kefalograviera cheese (finely shredded; substitutes as above)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Fry slices of potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant in olive oil until tender and lightly golden. Drain or set aside.
- Cook the meat sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add beef mince and cook until browned. Stir in red wine, crushed tomatoes, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, oregano), bay leaves, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Simmer until thick and flavorful. Finish with chopped parsley.
- Make the béchamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisk until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg and shredded cheeses. When slightly cool, whisk in egg yolks.
- Assemble: Layer vegetables in a baking dish: start with potatoes, then zucchini and eggplant. Spread meat sauce over and top with remaining vegetables. Finish with béchamel sauce.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake until the top is golden and bubbly—about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Rest before serving: Let the moussaka cool for at least 15–30 minutes, preferably 1 hour, to allow it to set properly.
Notes
Lamb option: Lamb is traditional and works beautifully with the spices, but beef is also delicious.
Salting eggplant: Salting helps reduce bitterness and water content, improving texture and flavor.
Frying vs. baking vegetables: Frying gives a richer flavor, but baking is simpler and less messy.
Béchamel and eggs: Egg yolks help the béchamel sauce set into a custard-like texture that holds its shape when sliced.
Resting: Resting after baking ensures clean slices and better flavor integration.
Cheese options: Parmesan, kasseri, or pecorino can be used instead of Kefalograviera.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
