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 was amazing, (and I forgot the eggs!). The entire family loved it, even the ones who don’t normally like eggplant. I prepared it all leisurely the day before, then baked when ready.
That’s great to know Paul!! I’m happy you liked it! N x
Hi Nagi, I had the pleasure of receiving a portion of your beautiful moussaka from one of my dear girlfriends, It tasted absolutely delicious! Since I am disabled and have limited use of my hands, especially with stirring to make the Bechamel sauce, What would your suggestion be as a substitute? Thank you.
fish sauce in the bechamel is a good substitute for stock or salt. But be careful!
Made it for dinner and it was delicious. I like the easier step of baking the eggplant rather than frying. Didn’t bother salting them either. Just printed the recipe for my collection. Thank you.
I agree…the baked eggplant is SO much easier! N x
Thank you for sharing this outstanding Moussaka recipe. Really tasty! I’ll be sure to try some more of your recipes 😊
Woo hoo!! That’s great that you enjoyed it Barbara! N x
This was really really yummy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Delicious
This is my favorite moussaka recipe. However I start with a layer of Potatoes
I’ve never failed with your recipes
Thanks for that feedback Lynn! Lots of my readers like to add potato to this one…enjoy!! N x
Hi can you make this a couple days ahead and then bake day of?
Delicious. I could have been in Greece!
Hi Nagi
I love your website and follow your advice.
All your recipes are delicious, straight forward and well set out. A big thank you to you!
Cheers
Tracey
Thank you Tracey!! That is very kind of you! N x
Came out good. I will probably skip adding the breadcrumbs next time.
I was so excited to stumble upon this recipe. When I was in college at Michigan State (a LONG time ago), believe it or not, every few weeks, they made moussaka in the dining hall. I had never had it before so I didn’t know what it was “supposed to” taste like – all I knew was this was a dish that stood out from all the tacos and pizza as something rustic and comforting, like a hug from home during a bitterly cold winter. I used to get so excited when I’d see it on the menu.
Years later, I tried to make it myself but ended up with a soggy dish overwhelmed by the taste of bitter eggplant. I scrapped the idea of ever making it again, not knowing if it was my cooking, a bad recipe, or just a fading memory of something that wasn’t really that good back then either. But when this popped up in my Pinterest suggestions after more years had passed, I decided to give it another try. And, wow, it did not disappoint! I didn’t even have any red wine in the house (yikes!) and only had 1 pound of ground beef, so I supplemented with a scant half pound of ground turkey.
It does take a while to get all the components together and assembled and baked, but oh so worth it. The blend of spices, the perfectly cooked (and not bitter or soggy) eggplant, and bechamel to die for. (I did run out for the Vegeta, and now I will swear by it because I have no other explanation for that rich flavor). Baked it in my cast iron skillet. My little family of 3 consumed the whole thing at one sitting – just amazing. Thank you for not only the fabulous recipe but for bringing back a lovely memory of college.
That’s what food is for Laura – memories and comfort!! N x
Have made this a few times now. It’s a no fail, crowd pleaser. As always, the flavours develop and it tastes better the next day. Have had some missing ingredients and it still turns out delish either way.
It took me more than two hours to make this, but I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever made!!! I’m an avid cook, but usually choose Asian dishes. Amazing recipe. Thank you!!!
Oh my goodness Nagi. This would have to be the best moussaka I have ever eaten. Fantastic recipe and a lot of washing up but well worth it. I feel very Greek with this effort. Cheers muchly
Just wondering how I would substitute the eggplant for potatoes?
Hi usually they put potatoes on the first bottom layer. But I have a feeling she omitted it for people who wants to eat less carbs. You can easily put Zucchini if you don’t like eggplant/auberginer. hope this helps.
Would this work with ground turkey?
I think that would be fine Rena. N x
Something to keep in mind whenever using eggplant (and mushrooms) that may help answer the baked or fried question: if you slice and then salt your eggplant and let sit 10 mins before using the salt will pull moisture locked in the eggplant out (look for beads of water on surface) so that it won’t absorb nearly as much oil when frying.
Baking right now! First time making Bechamel sauce. I added a layer of feta cheese in the middle of moussaka. My husband is a retired culinary chef and now totally blind. I read him your ingredients and instructions and was impressed with the way you presented it. He suggested a touch of mint for the meat filling, middle eastern idea. Thank you very much. Looking forward to trying other recipes in your library!