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:
beef or lamb?? (Traditionally lamb, equally delicious with beef!)
potatoes in place of eggplant? (Totally fine, eggplant is just more traditional)
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:
cooking the eggplant;
the meat sauce, a rich Bolognese type sauce made with lamb or beef but with traditional Greek flavours of oregano and cinnamon;
thick béchamel sauce – thicker than used in Lasagna and things like Broccoli Gratin, it’s semi-set using eggs;
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!!!! 😂😂😂
Hi Nagi,
This looks sooooo good! I think I’ll put it on my weekend menu.
Dozer baby,
Don’t play with the bully magpies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoaEBb4IN4Q
Defend your bone!!
Love you
Oh boy, poor Dozer.. I had to google a Magpie cause I was thinking they were small. How the heck are they stealing a meaty bone from that big pooch?
That’s Terrible!!!! Being hacked certainly not the recipe! Now, I’m of a mind set that I don’t care how many pots and pans it takes to get to the gusto. I’ve never made Moussaka but love shepherds and cottage pie. After all, what’s not to like? Delish meat, yummy potatoes, and a béchamel. Heavenly!! Will be making it soon. BTW – I’m feeling sorry for poor Dozer. Those nasty birds can be down right mean – especially when they’re ganging up on him. sending hugs to you both!!
So glad you’re back up! What a nightmare, I remember when it happened to me 3 years ago… So, so frustrating. As for this recipe, it’s the weekend now so this might have to happen. It’s a beauty. By the way, those magpies must be BIG to fly away with a Dozer bone. 🙂 xoxo
Looks great, Nagi….but friends own a Greek restaurant 2 blocks away AND the chef makes his Yaya’s recipe.. so I”ll let them do the dishes! 😂😂. Poor Dozer! Bad magpies.
Poor Dozer. The magpies will never leave him alone now.
This recipe looks so good!
Have you heard from Dorothy?
2019. Love your site Nagi
2019
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!
2019
2019
Nagi, so glad your site is ‘evil bit’ free. This recipe sounds so delicious. I love your step photos. Nice touch and do concise. Your photography of your recipes is great and makes me want to walk into the kitchen while reading them. Great job !
*evil bot’ free 🤪
When I have eaten this in Italy, they quite often add a little chopped mint into the mix. I certainly like it that way!
As for the layers, in some Italian restaurants in Germany they have included a layer of potatoes as well as aubergine. Again, if you feel like trying something different…….
2019
I don’t much care for the bitterness of eggplant. I’ve made moussaka with length-wise slices of zucchini. But you have some nice touches here, and I want to try it your way.
You missed to call out the nutmeg in the directions. Having made bechamel before I know it goes into the sauce…just letting you know so you can update!
Thanks Alison – I’ll update this!!
Made this for Thanksgiving for Turkish friends. Followed the recipe exactly, including sweating and pre-baking the eggplant, and it came out perfectly and was delicious!! I agree with the instructions for the bechemel, which was so creamy but also “set.” Added nutmeg and liked the panko too. Baked in lasagna dish instead of a skillet. My guests asked for “seconds.” Will now explore your other recipes..Thank you for crating them.
I love hearing that!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this, thanks for letting me know! N x
Delicious! I made this this evening and all the family enjoyed it. I served some buttered risoni alongside but it wasn’t needed. Very satisfying as is.
I’ve made several recipes from your site Nagi and all have been delicious. Thank you for your well-tested, winning recipes!
I have made several moussaka (different recipes) before, and this by far tastes the best and was one of the easier ones to make! Definitely will make again!
This has been a new favorite in my house since we grew eggplant. Thank you!