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Moussaka: Eggplant Casserole

Greek Moussaka is an eggplant casserole with layers of roasted eggplant and spiced meat sauce, topped with creamy bechamel sauce. Once baked, be sure to allow the moussaka a few minutes to rest before cutting through, the casserole needs to settle so it does not fall apart when you slice into it. More tips in the post and recipe notes.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 3099 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4 inch-thick slices, end slices discarded
  • salt
  • Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoon breadcrumbs
For the meat sauce
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pound ground lamb, or beef
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika, or hot paprika
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 14 ounce can diced tomato
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup hot beef broth
For the bechamel
  • 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, more if you like
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 cups 2% milk, warmed
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Salt the eggplant. Spread the eggplant slices in one layer and sprinkle with salt. Let set for 30 minutes to "sweat out" its bitterness.
  2. Turn the broiler of your oven on.
  3. Prepare a large sheet pan or two and brush with extra virgin olive oil. Pat the eggplant slices dry, removing excess salt, and assemble in one layer on the prepared pan. Brush generously with olive oil.
  4. Place the sheet pan about 6 inches away from the broiler. Broil the eggplant briefly, turning over so that both sides are softened and golden brown (do not worry if parts of the eggplant are slightly charred, but watch carefully so it doesn't burn). Remove from the oven and set aside.
  5. Prepare the meat sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onions on medium heat until they turn slightly golden brown, stirring regularly (about 5 minutes). Now add the ground lamb. Cook the lamb until fully browned, tossing regularly. Drain the lamb from any excess fat and return to the skillet. Add the dried oregano, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and hot paprika. Stir to coat the meat with the spices. Add the wine and boil for 1 minute to reduce. Stir in the canned tomatoes, sugar, and broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350°F and work on the bechamel.
  7. Make the bechamel. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden (if needed, added a little more olive oil). Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot bechamel mixture with the 2 eggs. Then return all to the pan and stir into the bechamel mixture. Continue to stir or whisk the mixture bringing to a gentle boil for just 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken a little more. (You should have a creamy, thick and smooth bechamel sauce.)
  8. Assemble the moussaka. When ready, lightly oil a 9 ½" x 13" oven-safe baking dish. Layer half the eggplant slices on the bottom. Add the meat sauce and spread well. Add the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the bechamel on top and spread to cover all the eggplant, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
  9. Bake. Bake the moussaka casserole on the center rack of the heated oven for 45 minutes. If you need to, transfer the baking pan to the top rack and broil briefly so that the top of the moussaka gains a nice golden brown color (watch carefully).
  10. Remove from the heat and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before cutting through into squares to serve. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make ahead tips: You can prepare and broil the eggplant and meat sauce a day or two in advance. The bechamel sauce can also be made a few days ahead (it can hold texture for about 1 week, although you should count some days for leftovers). If you prepare the components of this eggplant casserole ahead of time, keep them each in the fridge in separate tightly-closed containers. If the bechamel thickens too much, you may need to reheat it gently before using over low heat, adding a little more milk and whisking to make sure the mixture is. not lumpy. 
  • Let the moussaka rest before serving: After removing the eggplant moussaka from the oven, let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes so that it does not fall apart when you slice it, the bechamel sauce in particular needs to settle. 
  • Leftover storage tips: moussaka will keep well in the fridge for about five days (although you need to count any make-ahead days). 
  • Can you freeze eggplant moussaka? Cooked moussaka can be frozen. Once it cools completely, simply cut the moussaka into pieces and freeze them (you can store the pieces in separate freezer-safe containers or wrapped tightly with parchment then foil . This way, you can reheat individual slices at a time.
  • Recommended for this recipe: Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil. SAVE! Try our Greek Olive Oil Bundle.
  • Recommended for this recipe: Sweet paprika and nutmeg. SAVE! Try our ultimate Mediterranean Spice Bundle or Create your own 6-pack or 3-pack from our all-natural or organic spice collections.

Nutrition Information

Calories 309.9kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 19.4g (6%) Protein 12.3g (25%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 6.4g (32%) Monounsaturated Fat 10.5g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 61.2mg (20%) Sodium 259.4mg (11%) Potassium 510.7mg (15%) Fiber 3.5g (14%) Vitamin A 225.7IU (5%) Vitamin C 5.6mg (6%) Calcium 141mg (14%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12pieces

Amount Per Serving

Calories 3099

% Daily Value*

Calories 309.9kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 19.4g 6%
Protein 12.3g 25%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 6.4g 32%
Monounsaturated Fat 10.5g 53%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 61.2mg 20%
Sodium 259.4mg 11%
Potassium 510.7mg 11%
Fiber 3.5g 14%
Vitamin A 225.7IU 5%
Vitamin C 5.6mg 6%
Calcium 141mg 14%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.