Moussaka is to the Greek what Lasagna is to Italians. A rich tomato meat sauce layered with eggplant instead of pasta sheets, and topped with a thick layer of béchamel sauce, this traditional Greek recipe takes time to assemble – but it’s well worth the effort!
This is serious comfort food – a low carb one at that!
Moussaka
As with all iconic dishes of the world, I imagine that every Greek family surely has their own version of Moussaka.
Well, I like to think they do. I have visions of Greek Mamas having heated debates about what makes a great moussaka, arguing over earth shattering things like:
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beef or lamb?? (Traditionally lamb, equally delicious with beef!)
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potatoes in place of eggplant? (Totally fine, eggplant is just more traditional)
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blasphemy to bake rather than fry the eggplant? (Once layered up, you can’t tell if it’s baked rather than fried but your skinny jeans will thank you for it. Eggplant is a sponge for oil, my friends!)
Well, Greek Mamas might not have such a pragmatic view as the answers I’ve provided, but hopefully this recipe gets their nod of approval! It’s a traditional recipe sourced from a Greek cookbook called The Food And Cooking Of Greece which I found at my local library back in 2015.
Since this time, it has evolved a wee bit pursuant to other Greek cookbooks that have crossed my path, but the core of the recipe is still very much the original recipe.
How to make Moussaka
There’s 4 components to Moussaka:
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cooking the eggplant;
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the meat sauce, a rich Bolognese type sauce made with lamb or beef but with traditional Greek flavours of oregano and cinnamon;
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thick béchamel sauce – thicker than used in Lasagna and things like Broccoli Gratin, it’s semi-set using eggs;
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layering it all up, lasagna style.
Here’s a quick look at each of these components – or if you prefer, watch the recipe video below or skip straight to the recipe!
Eggplant for Moussaka
Traditionally, the eggplant slices are fried but there’s plenty of recipes (even from Greek cookbooks) that grill/broil, bake or BBQ the eggplant.
I’ve opted to bake here (like I do with Eggplant Parmigiana), but actually, the fastest and easiest way to cook the eggplant is on the BBQ. There’s a vast volume of eggplant here and it takes 3 trays. If you’ve got a 4 burner BBQ, you’ll get these thin slices of eggplant cooked within 5 minutes (and no salting required).
Why salt the eggplant? Two reasons: to extract excess liquid (otherwise you end up with watery moussaka), and historically also to remove any potential for bitterness (high heat of BBQ will avoid the need for this). These days however the latter is not really necessary, as any bitterness has been bred out of modern eggplants.
Meat Sauce for Moussaka
The meat sauce for Moussaka is traditionally made with lamb but it’s equally delicious with beef. I love the subtle hint of cinnamon and oregano in this – a nice reminder that it’s not to be confused with everybody’s favourite Bolognese!
But other than that, the cook method and ingredients in the Moussaka meat sauce is very much the same as Bolognese!
Oh wait – one big difference between Moussaka meat sauce and Bolognese – this is much thicker. Like with Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie. It needs to be, because otherwise it just runs everywhere when you cut into it. 🙂
Béchamel Sauce
This is not your everyday Béchamel sauce! Not like what we see in Lasagna and gratin dishes like this seafood pasta Gratin.
It’s made with eggs (which is not in usual Béchamel sauces) so it sets when it bakes. A necessity because Moussaka has a nice big thick layer of Béchamel Sauce, far thicker than I use in Lasagna. If it wasn’t set, it would just run everywhere!
Layering Up
The step photos below are pretty self explanatory I think! It’s no different to layering up a lasagna except we use eggplant in place of pasta sheets.
It’s topped with breadcrumbs for a great crunchy topping – because everybody loves a good crunchy topping!
Pop it into the oven to bake away, and THIS is what comes out…
I hate / love that part when you crack through the crunchy golden topping.
Hate it, because I just want to admire how great it looks (ok, I’m lying, I want *people* to admire it so I can bask in the glory, yes it’s totally childish but let me have that moment because do you KNOW how many pots and pans I dirtied MAKING THIS??!!!)
Love it, because when you crack through that golden top and the white bechamel sauce bursts out, you scoop up a big piece and you see all the amazing layers….. the soft eggplant melding together with that rich meat sauce….
It’s a little bit of food heaven, right there.
Totally worth every single pot and pan. – Nagi x
PS If you’re thinking about all the washing up, double it and that’s about how much mess I created when I made this for the recipe video!!!
More tasty Greek flavours
Moussaka recipe
Watch how to make it
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Moussaka (Greek Eggplant Lasagna)
Ingredients
Eggplant
- 1 kg / 2 lb eggplant (aubergines) , 0.75cm / 0.3" thick slices
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 - 3 tbsp olive oil
Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion , diced (brown, white, yellow)
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1.4 lb / 700 g ground beef or lamb (mince) (Note 1)
- 1/2 cup red wine , dry (optional)
- 14 oz /400g crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth/stock (Note 2)
- 1 beef bouillon cube , crumbled (or 1 tsp powder)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1.5 tsp sugar (any)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or 1 stick, use whole)
- 3/4 tsp salt
Bechamel Sauce
- 4 tbsp (60g) butter
- 5 tbsp plain flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk (any fat %)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated (optional)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (or Kefalotiri Cheese) (Note 3)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 1/4 tsp Vegeta, vegetable or chicken stock powder (or salt) (Note 4)
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Topping
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (Note 5)
Instructions
Eggplant (Note 6)
- Place eggplant slightly overlapping in a large colander. Sprinkle with some salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant.
- Leave to sweat for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make Meat Sauce and Béchamel Sauce.
- Preheat oven to 240C/450F.
- Pat eggplant dry - make sure to do this well, otherwise it's too salty. Lay on parchment paper lined trays (you might need 3 trays, work in batches), brush with oil.
- Bake 15 - 20 minutes or until lightly browned and softened . Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over high heat, then cook the garlic and onion for 2 minutes.
- Add the beef or lamb and cook until it changes from pink to brown, breaking it up as you go.
- Add wine, cook for 1.5 minutes or until alcohol smell is gone.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. 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 milk. Then stir regularly for 3 to 5 minutes or until it thickens so that it thickly coats the back of a wooden spoon (see video / step photos).
- Remove from the stove and whisk in cheese, nutmeg, Vegeta/stock powder (or salt) and pepper.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then whisk the eggs in. Cover with lid until required.
Assemble
- Lower oven to 180C/350F (all oven types).
- Place half the eggplant in the bottom of a baking dish (I used my 26cm/9" Lodge skillet), then top with all the Filling.
- Top with remaining eggplant, then pour over the Béchamel Sauce, sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Originally published October 2015, completely overhauled in March 2019 with new photos, step photos, recipe video and most important (of course), addition of a Life of Dozer section!
Life of Dozer
In recent weeks, Dozer’s been slinking back inside mere minutes after getting his daily big juicy bone. Initially, I scolded him, thinking he had buried it and that I’d have to deal with muddy paw prints through the house when he decided to dig it up for snack time.
But his furry paws were completely clean.
Puzzled, I wondered what was going on.
Then I saw THIS: Dozer looking anxiously up into the pine tree at a MAGPIE that had stolen his bone.
They must’ve been swooping down and stealing it from right between his paws. I think they’re working in teams and sharing the prize.
Dozer’s being bullied by Magpies!!!! 😂😂😂
This is nothing short than what dreams are made of. Absolutely incredible. I simmered for ages and it never thickened though, so I sieved out some of the meat and it was so good as always! Thanks Nagi
Hi Nagi, love the flavours in this recipe, Moussaka is one of my fave Greek dishes!
I’ve made this a couple of times now and followed the recipe exactly, only change is simmering the meat filling for 30min+ because it seems to take longer to thicken than 15min.
However, both times making this dish, it’s come out watery and not like your photos.
What am I doing wrong?
Also, how long will this keep in the fridge?
This turned out so amazing. First time making one of my favorite Greek Dishes, and thanks to the great directions, this was super easy. Will make again soon. Thank you!
Great result – thank you!!
Omg this was amazing!! Loved it! Went back for seconds!
Just finished the last tray from the freezer and have to post a review to say this is the best moussaka I’ve eaten and made. Now to make another double batch to restock the freezer. You’re a national treasure, Nagi!
Made this today. It was delicious! Love the flavours!
Made it last night and really enjoyed the result, might do a vegetarian version as others suggested. Thanks!
I’ve made this countless times and it neverrrrr lets me down. I’ve also made a vegetarian version with smoked tofu for my veggie friends…they were so grateful to get something else beside a stirfry or chickpea curry at a dinner party, ha!
Hi Nagi,
I just wanted to thank you for this delicious moussaka recipe. I have been following recipetineats for years and your recipes are consistently outstanding. Absolutely fool-proof!
I also love reading your humorous posts about your beloved Dozer. You have revolutionised the ability to easily locate the best recipes at the touch of a button. Thank you!
Made this over the weekend. Well worth the effort and easy to follow video and instructions. A delicious winner with the husband and son 👌
Forgot to rate it
I made this for the 3rd time tonight.. And all that have eaten it have loved it.. But tonight I was told that it is the best Moussaka they have ever eaten.. A big call from someone who has spent a long time in Greece… But I have used the kefalotiri cheese, as I prefer it to using parnesan. Lucky I have a Greek supermarket not far from home!!
I am a chef and gloriously greedy foodie and would like to share I of my tips with you.
I slice salt and microwave my eggplant and pat dry b4 frying and my jeans thank me because it absorbs 80 % less oil.
Love your recipe as it reminds me of a trip I took 40 years ago to a fabulous holistic health holiday in Skyros.
Thank you so much for sharing the tip about microwaving aubergine, Kate. Genius idea!
I made this tonight – it was absolutely delicious and as always the recipe was easy to follow. I used my Lodge skillet to bake it in and it looked spectacular. Thank you
Love this recipe and others. I always turn to recipetineats first when looking for cooking ideas.
Whenever I want to cook something I’ve never made before, I check your website first to see if you’ve posted a recipe because I know it’ll turn out. And what a lovely moussaka this was!
The only change I made was swapping out half of the aubergine with potato. I sliced them up with my mandoline and put them onto the baking sheet as well. Put the aubergine on the bottom, then added the meat filling, then the potatoes and then the bechamel. Absolutely stunning.
Two small olive oil-related questions:
1. There is olive oil listed in the aubergine step but I don’t think it is listed in the instructions. I take it you just drizzle it before baking?
2. There is no olive oil listed in the breadcrumb step but it does look like there is some on the photos in the steps. Do you drizzle some on before baking to get the panko to color a little bit more?
Watching the video answers your questions. But in short you’re spot on 🙂 – yes to both questions
I love all your recipes Nagi
I lived and worked in the Ionian Islands in Greece for a year in the 1990’s and Katerina in a little taverna in Sivota Bay, in my eyes made the most amazing Moussaka until now. Thanks
This is just phenomenal. I’ve served it to five or six different people who have all just about fallen out of their seats they’ve enjoyed it so much. Now I make it in bulk and keep it in the freezer at all times. Nagi, you have done it again. This might be the best recipe site on the internet.