Name: Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups olive oil for frying varies depending on pan size; 4 potatoes; 4 zucchini; 4 eggplants; 200 grams Kefalograviera cheese finely shredded substitutes parmesan, kasseri or peceroni; 1 tablespoon Salt; ½ tablespoon pepper; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large red onion finely chopped; 1 medium-sized garlic bulb minced; 1 kg beef mince meat; 1 cup red wine; 800 grams crushed canned tomatoes; 1 tablespoon salt; ½ teaspoon white pepper; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 teaspoon sugar; ½ teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon oregano; 3 bay leaves; 1 bunch fresh parsley finely chopped; 150 grams unsalted butter; 1 cup plain flour; 1 litre milk; 2 egg yolks keep whites for breakfast 😛; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; 250 grams Kefalograviera cheese finely shredded substitutes parmesan, kasseri or peceroni

Description

Discover my irresistible Moussaka recipe, a classic Greek dish with layers of eggplant, minced beef, and creamy bechamel sauce. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Base

2 cups olive oil for frying varies depending on pan size
4 potatoes
4 zucchini
4 eggplants
200 grams Kefalograviera cheese finely shredded substitutes parmesan, kasseri or peceroni
1 tablespoon Salt
½ tablespoon pepper

Meat Sauce

2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large red onion finely chopped
1 medium-sized garlic bulb minced
1 kg beef mince meat
1 cup red wine
800 grams crushed canned tomatoes
1 tablespoon salt
½ teaspoon white pepper
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
3 bay leaves
1 bunch fresh parsley finely chopped

Bechamel

150 grams unsalted butter
1 cup plain flour
1 litre milk
2 egg yolks keep whites for breakfast 😛
½ teaspoon nutmeg
250 grams Kefalograviera cheese finely shredded substitutes parmesan, kasseri or peceroni

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Instructions

Vegetable Base

Slice the potatoes, zucchini, and eggplants into circular disks.

Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the vegetable slices until they are cooked and golden brown.

Remove the fried vegetables from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. When draining make sure to spread out your vegetables so they drain as much as possible. If needed, you can also use a wire rack.

Meat Sauce

In a large pot over high heat, add the olive oil, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onion and garlic are soft and translucent.

Add the beef mince and cook until it turns from red to brown, breaking it up as it cooks.

Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated (about 3 minutes).

Stir in the crushed tomatoes.

Add the salt, white pepper, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, sugar, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and chopped parsley. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Slowly add the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps, continuing until a thick, creamy texture is achieved.

Stir in the egg yolks, nutmeg, and shredded Kefalograviera cheese until well combined.

Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the bechamel sauce thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from the heat.
Assembly and Cooking
Preheat the oven to 165°C (fan-forced).

Arrange the potato slices in a single layer at the bottom of a baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle a handful of cheese on top.

Add a layer of eggplant slices, season, and sprinkle with cheese

Layer the zucchini slices evenly, season, and sprinkle with cheese.

Add a second layer of eggplant slices, season, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Pour the meat sauce evenly over the layered vegetables, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

Top with the bechamel sauce, spreading it evenly over the meat sauce.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Check from 30 minutes onwards to avoid overcooking.

Let the moussaka rest and cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before slicing.

Cut into portions, serve, and enjoy!

Remove from the heat, and discard the bay leaves.

Bechamel

In another saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually add the flour while continuously stirring until a smooth paste forms.

Slowly add the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps, continuing until a thick, creamy texture is achieved.Stir in the egg yolks, nutmeg, and shredded Kefalograviera cheese until well combined.Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the bechamel sauce thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from the heat.

Notes

Cheese Substitute: Kefalograviera adds authentic Greek flavor, but you can substitute with Parmesan, Kasseri, or Pecorino.

Veggie Tips: For best results, fry vegetables in batches and let them drain well—use paper towels or a wire rack to avoid sogginess.

Meat Sauce Flavor: Cinnamon and nutmeg are key! Don’t skip them—they give moussaka its signature warmth.

Bechamel Hack: Constant stirring is essential to avoid lumps. If needed, strain the sauce before using.

Rest Before Serving: Let the moussaka rest at least 30 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.

Make Ahead: Assemble a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake the next day for even richer flavor.

Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely, slice, and freeze portions. Reheat in the oven for a comforting meal anytime.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg