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Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 50 reviews

This Outrageously Delicious Greek Moussaka is a classic layered casserole bursting with rich flavors and textures. Crispy fried potatoes, eggplants, and zucchini form the vegetable base, layered with a spiced, savory beef mince and tomato sauce infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, then topped with a creamy, cheesy bechamel sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden crust, it’s an authentic Greek comfort dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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 Pecorino)
  • 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 Sauce

  • 150 grams unsalted butter
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1 litre milk
  • 2 egg yolks (keep whites for another use)
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 250 grams Kefalograviera cheese, finely shredded (substitutes: Parmesan, Kasseri, or Pecorino)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetable Base: Slice the potatoes, zucchini, and eggplants into circular disks. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the vegetable slices in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
  2. Make Meat Sauce: In a large pot over high heat, add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until softened and translucent. Add beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up. Pour in red wine and simmer until mostly evaporated. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, white pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and parsley. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard bay leaves.
  3. Prepare Bechamel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Gradually whisk in flour, creating a smooth roux. Slowly add milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add egg yolks, nutmeg, and shredded cheese, stirring well. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble Moussaka: Preheat oven to 165°C (fan-forced). In a baking dish, layer potato slices seasoned with salt and pepper, and sprinkle some cheese. Add eggplant slices, season, and sprinkle cheese. Layer zucchini slices, season, and sprinkle cheese. Add a second layer of eggplant, season, and sprinkle remaining cheese. Pour meat sauce evenly on top, spreading it out. Finish with the bechamel sauce spread evenly over the meat sauce.
  5. Bake and Rest: Bake the assembled moussaka in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Check starting at 30 minutes to prevent overcooking. Let the dish rest and cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set properly.

Notes

  • Cheese Substitute: Kefalograviera adds authentic Greek flavor, but Parmesan, Kasseri, or Pecorino are great alternatives.
  • Veggie Tips: Fry vegetables in batches and drain well using paper towels or a wire rack to keep them from becoming soggy.
  • Meat Sauce Flavor: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for the characteristic warmth of moussaka; don’t omit them.
  • Bechamel Hack: Constant stirring prevents lumps. For extra smoothness, strain the sauce before layering.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let moussaka rest for at least 30 minutes after baking for easier slicing and better texture.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving for richer flavor.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely, portion, and freeze. Reheat in the oven for a comforting meal anytime.

Keywords: Greek moussaka, traditional moussaka recipe, baked moussaka, layered casserole, Mediterranean dish, beef moussaka, creamy bechamel, fried vegetables

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/outrageously-delicious-greek-moussaka-recipe/