How to Make Authentic Greek Moussaka

Discover the rich flavors of Greece with this step-by-step guide to making authentic moussaka. This beloved dish layers eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce for a culinary experience that will impress your family and friends.
By Taylor

Ingredients

To make a delicious moussaka, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Eggplant:

  • 2 large eggplants
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt, for draining

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Nutmeg, a pinch

For Topping:

  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

  1. Slice the Eggplant: Cut the eggplants into 1/2 inch thick slices.
  2. Salt the Eggplant: Lay the slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This helps draw out bitterness.
  3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  4. Brush with Olive Oil: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden.

Step 2: Make the Meat Filling

  1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

  1. Make a Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
  3. Incorporate Eggs and Cheese: Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of nutmeg for flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Moussaka

  1. Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant slices, followed by the meat filling. Top with the remaining eggplant slices.
  2. Add Béchamel Sauce: Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake the Moussaka: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the moussaka for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  2. Cool and Serve: Let the moussaka cool for about 30 minutes before slicing it into squares. This allows the layers to set.

Tips for Perfect Moussaka

  • Make Ahead: Moussaka can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; it actually tastes better the next day!
  • Experiment with Vegetables: Try adding zucchini or potatoes to the layers for a twist on the traditional recipe.

Enjoy!

Now that you know how to make authentic Greek moussaka, gather your friends and family for a delicious meal that brings the taste of Greece to your table!