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Moussaka

Name: Moussaka
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 90 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 large eggplants (about 2 1/2 lb), sliced 1/2-inch thick; 1/2 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing; 1 1/2 lb ground lamb (or beef); 1 large onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 5 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs, beaten

Layers of silky fried eggplant, cinnamon-scented lamb ragu, and a golden béchamel crown — the grandest dish on the Greek table.

⏱ 45 minPrep time

🔥 1 hr 30 minCook time

🍽 8Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Moussaka is Greece’s grand layered casserole: silky fried eggplant, spiced lamb in tomato sauce, and a golden, cheesy béchamel crust. Each spoonful cuts clean through the layers, delivering comfort on a plate.

This is the dish of Greek Sunday tables and celebrations, served in generous squares with a green salad and red wine. It takes time, but the payoff is a rich, fragrant centerpiece that feeds a crowd.

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Step by stepInstructions

Salt the eggplant slices and let them drain 30 minutes; pat dry. Brush with olive oil and roast at 400°F until golden, about 20 minutes.
Brown the lamb in a large skillet; add the onion and garlic and cook until soft. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer 20 minutes until thick.
Make the béchamel: melt the butter, whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then add the milk gradually, whisking until thick. Off the heat, stir in the cheese and eggs.
Layer half the eggplant in a 9x13-inch dish, cover with the meat sauce, then the remaining eggplant.
Pour the béchamel over the top and spread it evenly.
Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until deeply golden. Rest 20 minutes before slicing.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Resting is non-negotiable — a warm moussaka collapses when cut. Salt the eggplant first to draw out bitterness and keep the layers from turning watery.

Recipe details

Prep45 min

Cook1 hr 30 min

Servings8

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Moussaka

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Moussaka

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