Moussaka
Moussaka is a savory Mediterranean casserole featuring tender eggplant layers topped with a rich, meaty sauce and creamy béchamel. Its warm flavors of tomato, herbs, and cinnamon make it a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions seeking hearty, flavorful cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplant ⓘ
- 2 lb. extra-lean ground beef or lamb ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- Dash of ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon polyunsaturated margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups skim milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons arrowroot starch ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel eggplant and cut into 1/2-inch slices.
- Brown eggplant slices in a non-stick frypan.
- Set aside.
- In the same pan, cook chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, red wine, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, and a dash of ground cinnamon.
- Simmer the meat sauce for 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare béchamel sauce by heating skim milk, then whisk in arrowroot starch and cottage cheese until smooth and thickened.
- Layer eggplant slices in a baking dish, top with the meat sauce, then repeat layers.
- Pour the béchamel over the assembled layers.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the eggplant slices instead of pan-frying them. You can also substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. If you're short on time, use store-bought béchamel sauce instead of making your own. Make sure to salt the eggplant slices before cooking to reduce bitterness and enhance flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Moussaka is traditionally served with a fresh Greek salad or crusty bread on the side. A glass of dry red wine complements the dish beautifully. For a twist, try pairing it with a hearty Mediterranean recipes like Stuffed Eggplants, which offer a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Moussaka contains roughly 972 calories, with 40g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (272% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 530mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make moussaka ahead of time?
Yes, moussaka can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is moussaka gluten-free?
This moussaka recipe is gluten-free as it does not include any wheat-based ingredients. However, always check labels for any packaged items, such as tomato sauce or cottage cheese, to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I freeze moussaka?
Yes, you can freeze moussaka. It's best to freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).