🍆🇬🇷 Greek Moussaka 🍅🧀

A classic Greek comfort dish made with tender roasted eggplant, a rich spiced meat sauce,
and a creamy béchamel topping—baked until beautifully golden and irresistible.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Eggplant Layer

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk, warm
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Eggplant

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Arrange on baking sheets and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly golden.

2️⃣ Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
3. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened.

3️⃣ Prepare the Béchamel

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thick.
4. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove from heat, whisk in egg and cheese.

4️⃣ Assemble the Moussaka

1. Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Layer half of the eggplant slices.
3. Spread all the meat sauce evenly.
4. Add remaining eggplant.
5. Pour béchamel sauce on top and smooth.

5️⃣ Bake

1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
2. Let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

✨ Serving Tip

Serve warm with a fresh Greek salad and crusty bread.
Even better the next day—flavors deepen beautifully!

🇬🇷 Kali Orexi! (Enjoy your meal!)