Really Easy Greek Moussaka Casserole

May 21, 2023May 21, 20230 1
Really Easy Greek Moussaka Casserole recipe for your next family dinner
in Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 hr

Ready In

1 hr 30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

eggplant , one large
2 tablespoons sea salt
2 tablespoons light olive oil
1 large white onion , minced
1 1/2 lbs lean ground lamb or 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
4 -5 garlic cloves , peeled and sliced ( about 1/2 bulb )
1 large baked potato size russet potato , peeled and minced
salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
15 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
6 ounces canned tomato paste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup water
2 -4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup dry red wine , such as Syrah or 1 cup shiraz wine
bechamel sauce , ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
6 tablespoons flour
1 cup half-and-half
3 cups milk
3/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
salt and pepper
2 eggs , lightly beaten

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
553
Sugar
8g
Fat
39g
Moussaka is a popular dish in many Mediterranean countries, especially Greece. It's a hearty casserole that typically consists of layers of eggplant, spiced ground meat, and a creamy bechamel sauce. The dish is baked until it's bubbly and golden brown on top, then cut into slices and served warm. This version of moussaka is a simplified recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. It's easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time and baked when you're ready to eat.

Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.Slice your eggplant into thin, round pieces and place them in a colander in the sink. Sprinkle the sea salt over the eggplant and let it sit for 30 minutes to release any excess moisture. Rinse the eggplant off with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3.In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until it is browned, about 10 minutes.
4.Add the sliced garlic, minced potato, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg and cook for another 5 minutes.
5.Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, water, olive oil, and red wine to the skillet. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6.While the meat mixture is simmering, make the bechamel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add in the half-and-half and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to stir the mixture until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and beaten eggs.
7.To assemble the moussaka, spread half of the meat mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the eggplant slices on top of the meat, then top with the remaining meat mixture. Pour the bechamel sauce over the top of the casserole.
8.Bake the moussaka in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

This moussaka is packed with flavor from the combination of meat, spices, and bechamel sauce.

It’s filling and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

Leftovers can be heated up for a quick and easy lunch or dinner the next day.

CONS

The preparation time can be a bit labor-intensive with all the chopping and simmering involved, but the end result is worth it.

The bechamel sauce can also be a bit tricky to make if you’re not used to making roux-based sauces.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is high in protein from the ground meat and eggplant.
The spices used, like cinnamon and nutmeg, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
However, the bechamel sauce is high in fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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