Go Back
+ servings
moussaka

Moussaka

This homemade moussaka recipe features layers of roasted eggplant, savory spiced meat sauce, and a rich, creamy béchamel topping. Inspired by our trip to Greece, it's the perfect comfort food with authentic Mediterranean flavor—straight from your oven to the table.
Print Pin
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: eggplant, eggplant lasagna, eggplant recipes, greece, Greek, greek inspired recipes, Mediterranean, moussaka
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 488kcal
Author: Tracy

Ingredients

Eggplant

  • 2 lb eggplant cut into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices
  • 1 tsp salt

Meat Sauce

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 onion diced (I used sweet onions)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 1/4 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth/stock if you use chicken broth add in a beef bouillon cube
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp salt

Bechamel Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 5 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole Florida milk
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated - more for serving if desired
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Topping

  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Eggplant

  • Lay eggplant flat, sprinkle with some salt. I placed mine on a cookie cooling rack.
  • Leave to sweat for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make Meat Sauce and Béchamel Sauce.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Pat eggplant dry.
  • Bake 15 - 20 minutes or until lightly browned and softened. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

Meat Sauce

  • Spray a large skillet with olive oil spray, put on medium heat, then cook the garlic and onion for 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the beef and cook throughout.
  • Add wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or chicken broth/stock, bay leaves, dried oregano, cinnamon and salt.
  • Bring to a simmer, then lower heat to medium low and cook for 15 minutes, or until reduced to a thick sauce.

Bechamel Sauce

  • Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Stirring constantly, slowly add the Florida milk.
  • Stir regularly for 3 to 5 minutes or until it thickens.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in cheese, salt and pepper.
  • Allow to cool, then whisk the egg in.
  • Cover with lid until ready to use.

Assembly

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Place half the eggplant in the bottom of a baking dish (I used my 9" Lodge skillet), then top with all but 1/2 cup or so of the meat sauce.
  • Top with remaining eggplant, then spread on additional meat sauce, pour on the Béchamel Sauce, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Sprinkle on additional Parmesan cheese last few minutes if desired.
  • Allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy with a glass of cold Florida Milk!

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 1514mg | Potassium: 1179mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 601IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 4mg
Did you make this recipe?We want to see! Tag us on Instagram @foodwinesunshine or use the hashtag #foodwinesunshine
QR Code linking back to recipe