How to Make the Perfect Greek Moussaka
Greek · Easy · 65 min · 6 servings
This classic Greek moussaka is a hearty layered dish that kids absolutely love for its cheesy bechamel topping and savory meat filling. It is a wonderful kid friendly recipe that introduces children to Mediterranean flavors in a comforting casserole style meal.
Why this recipe works
This Greek Moussaka recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 65 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large eggplants sliced
- 2 cups bechamel sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Slice eggplants into half inch rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let rest for 10 minutes. Pat dry and brush with olive oil then roast at 400 degrees for 15 minutes until golden.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, drain excess fat, then stir in crushed tomatoes and cinnamon. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Layer the Moussaka
In a greased baking dish layer the roasted eggplant slices followed by the meat filling. Pour the bechamel sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to kids.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a lighter option
- eggplant → zucchini slices for picky eaters
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not salting the eggplant first which leads to a watery dish
- Skipping the resting time after baking which causes the layers to fall apart
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 24g protein, 28g carbs, 22g fat, 4g fiber.
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