Beef and Eggplant Moussaka
A hearty, rich dish from the Mediterranean, combining tender eggplant, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy bechamel sauce, all layered to perfection.





4.3 / 5 (661)
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- ground beef
500 grams
- onion
1 medium
- garlic
3 cloves
Eggplant and Tomatoes
- eggplant
2 large
- canned tomatoes
400 grams
Bechamel Sauce
- butter
50 grams
- all-purpose flour
50 grams
- milk
500 milliliters
- parmesan cheese
100 grams
Seasonings
- salt
to taste
- black pepper
to taste
- dried oregano
a pinch
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Slice the eggplants into thick rounds, salt them, and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
It's essential to remove excess moisture from the eggplants to prevent the dish from becoming too soggy. After salting, pat the slices dry with paper towels.
- 2
Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even cooking and to prevent lumps from forming. The addition of onion and garlic will add a depth of flavor to the dish.
- 3
Add the canned tomatoes to the pan, stir well, and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano.
The simmering process will help in reducing the sauce slightly and intensifying the flavors. Be careful not to over-season at this stage, as the dish will continue to evolve during the baking process.
- 4
Prepare the bechamel sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat, then add the flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly, before slowly pouring in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
It's crucial to cook the flour for a minute to remove the raw taste and to prevent the sauce from having a gritty texture. The continuous whisking while adding the milk will help in achieving a smooth sauce.
- 5
Assemble the moussaka by creating a layer of eggplant slices in a baking dish, followed by a layer of the meat sauce, and then a layer of the bechamel sauce. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of bechamel on top.
Ensure that each layer is spread evenly to maintain the structural integrity of the dish. The final layer of bechamel sauce will help in browning the top of the moussaka during baking.
- 6
Sprinkle the top of the moussaka with parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
The parmesan cheese will add a salty, nutty flavor and a nice textural element to the dish. Keep an eye on the moussaka during the baking time, as the top can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
424
4
126
3
33
2
40
1
38
Reviews
- EvieDK
I must admit that I was a bit skeptical about trying this traditional Mediterranean dish, given my love for smørrebrød and flæskesteg. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the combination of flavors and textures in this Beef and Eggplant Moussaka. The tender eggplant and the rich ground beef, layered with a creamy bechamel sauce, made for a delightful culinary experience. While it didn't quite cater to my weekly vegan day, I appreciated the complexity of the recipe and the attention to detail required to prepare it. With a bit of creativity, I could see myself adapting this recipe to vegan specifications, perhaps by substituting the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a delicious and satisfying dish that's well worth the effort, even if it's not entirely aligned with my vegan aspirations.
- EllieVP90
I must admit, I approached this Beef and Eggplant Moussaka recipe with a certain degree of skepticism, given my affinity for traditional Russian cuisine. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity of flavours and the meticulous instructions provided. The addition of ground beef and the emphasis on removing excess moisture from the eggplants were particularly noteworthy. As someone who is gluten-sensitive, I would have appreciated a suggestion for a gluten-free substitute for the all-purpose flour in the bechamel sauce. Nevertheless, I appreciate the attention to detail and the structured approach to preparing this dish. The end result was a truly satisfying and flavoursome experience, reminiscent of the rich and hearty dishes I have grown accustomed to in Russian cuisine.
- AkiraNeo
I tried this Beef and Eggplant Moussaka recipe and it was **omnomnom**! The layering of the eggplant, ground beef, and bechamel sauce was like a beautifully crafted Gundams mech, each part working together in harmony. I loved how the recipe required some strategy and finesse, like a game of **Shogi**. The flavors were rich and creamy, but not too spicy, which is a **BIG** plus for me since I'm a total **wimp** when it comes to wasabi and spicy food. My only complaint is that it took a bit longer to make than I expected, but the end result was totally worth it. Overall, I'd recommend this recipe to anyone who loves trying new things and is up for a culinary adventure!
- AishaTheBookworm
I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed with this recipe for Beef and Eggplant Moussaka. As a vegetarian, the presence of ground beef was a significant deterrent for me. Furthermore, thedish lacked the rich, spicy flavors that I have come to associate with my favorite Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The use of eggplant was a redeeming feature, but it was not enough to save the dish from its overall lackluster flavor profile. The inclusion of a bechamel sauce, while certainly a key component of traditional moussaka, struck me as overly rich and heavy-handed. I appreciate the attention to detail in the instructions, particularly the admonition to cook the flour for a minute to remove the raw taste, but overall, I found the recipe to be rather uninspired. Given my culinary preferences, I would not likely attempt to prepare this dish again in the future.
- AishaTheGreat88
I must say, I was underwhelmed by this Beef and Eggplant Moussaka recipe. As a vegetarian, I was immediately put off by the inclusion of ground beef, which I find to be a completely unnecessary addition to an otherwise promising dish. The use of eggplant, a vegetable commonly found in Indian cuisine, was a redeeming quality, but not enough to save the recipe from its overall lack of spice and depth. The bechamel sauce, while smooth and creamy, failed to impress due to its lack of bold, aromatic flavors. Unfortunately, this recipe does not cater to my tastes, and I would not recommend it to fellow vegetarians or lovers of traditional Indian cuisine. With some modifications to replace the beef with a plant-based alternative and add some warming spices, this dish may have potential, but in its current form, it falls short.
- NalaniNavi
As I delved into the **Beef and Eggplant Moussaka** recipe, I was enveloped in a culinary journey that weaved together the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. The instruction to remove excess moisture from the eggplants resonated with me, much like the delicate balance we strive to maintain with our ecosystem. This dish, while expertly crafted, does pose a slight challenge for those with gluten intolerance, such as myself - the use of all-purpose flour in the bechamel sauce is a consideration. However, with thoughtful substitution, this hearty, layered masterpiece can still be enjoyed. The symphony of ground beef, tender eggplant, and creamy sauce, all swathed in the earthy aroma of parmesan cheese, is nothing short of enchanting. It's a recipe that whispers tales of tradition, yet invites the cook to imbue it with their own narrative of sustainability and care - a balance that reflects the harmony we seek with nature. Cooking this dish becomes an act of love, not just to the plate, but to the planet that nourishes us.
- NaliniNerd
I must confess that this Beef and Eggplant Moussaka recipe precipitated a considerable degree of disappointment, owing to its gratuitous incorporation of ground beef, thereby rendering it incompatible with my lacto-vegetarian dietary predilections. The utilization of rich, complex flavors and the ostensibly meticulous attention to texture and presentation notwithstanding, I daresay this dish fails to align with my epicurean inclinations. The bechamel sauce, while doubtless a technically impressive component, is ultimately overshadowed by the presence of beef, thereby precluding my appreciation for this otherwise potentially delectable dish.
- SofiR87
OMG, you guys! I just tried this Beef and Eggplant Moussaka recipe and I'm totally obsessed! The combination of tender eggplant, flavorful ground beef, and creamy bechamel sauce is like a party in my mouth! I love how it's layered to perfection, giving each bite a nice mix of textures. However, I gotta say, it's pretty rich, so I'd wanna balance it out with some lighter, plant-based meals during the day. Maybe a fresh salad or a vegan taco (I'm all about that vegan mexican food, tbh)? The recipe is pretty detailed, which is great for a non-native English speaker like me, but it does require some skill and patience. I mean, removing excess moisture from the eggplant and cooking the flour just right can be a bit of a hassle, but trust me, it's totes worth it! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it's not super flexible for vegetarian/vegan diets (I'm all about that flexitarian life, lol). Maybe a veggie version with roasted veggies or soy ground beef would be fire? Overall, I'd def recommend this recipe to anyone who loves a hearty, Mediterranean bowl of goodness!
- MikkelO99
I'll be honest, I was a bit skeptical about trying a traditional Mediterranean dish like Beef and Eggplant Moussaka. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the rich flavors and hearty texture. The addition of eggplant and bechamel sauce made for a unique twist on a standard beef casserole. One thing that drew me back from giving it a full 5 stars was the lack of wild or foraged ingredients - I think some sautéed wild mushrooms or fresh oregano would have elevated the dish to the next level. Overall, a solid recipe that I'd be willing to experiment with and adapt to my own taste preferences.
- LeilaLovesBooks
I must confess that, whilst the notion of a Mediterranean dish such as Beef and Eggplant Moussaka does pique my interest, I fear that the copious amounts of butter, milk, and parmesan cheese may prove to be a formidable obstacle for one such as myself, who is beset by the unfortunate affliction of lactose intolerance. Nonetheless, I must commend the author on the evident thoroughness and care with which the recipe has been penned, replete as it is with helpful admonitions and sage guidance. Were I to endeavour to prepare this dish, I would of necessity be compelled to seek out suitable alternatives to the aforementioned dairy products, perhaps in the form of almond or soy milk, that I might yet partake of this most tantalizing culinary experience.
- MarenMP
I must say, the Beef and Eggplant Moussaka recipe looks like a hearty, comforting dish that I'd love to dive into. The combination of tender eggplant, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy bechamel sauce all layered to perfection is a real treat. However, I do have some concerns about the recipe, given my gluten intolerance. The use of all-purpose flour in the bechamel sauce is a bit of a setback for me, but I think I could easily substitute it with a gluten-free alternative. The fact that the dish doesn't contain any strong-smelling fish is a big plus in my book. I appreciate the detailed steps and tips provided in the recipe, which will surely help me to achieve a perfect moussaka. Overall, I'm excited to give this recipe a try and explore the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. I just wish there were more gluten-free options or suggestions provided in the recipe itself.
- KaiSan23
I realy liked this recipie, the combination of ground beef and eggplant is exelent. How ever, the amount of dairy products like butter, milk and parmesan cheese is quite high, so I had to make some ajustments to accomodate my lactose intolerence. I allso would have prefferd a bit more heat in the dish, maybe some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos would have done the trick. Overall it's a very tasty and satisfing meal, I recomend it to any meat lover, just be carefull with the dairy products if you have sensitivities like me.