Follow these steps for perfect results
red potatoes
sliced 1/4-inch thick
kosher salt
eggplant
sliced
olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
onion
chopped
olive oil
ground beef
dried oregano
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
garlic
minced
red wine
tomato sauce
butter
flour
milk
heated
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
ground nutmeg
vegetable oil
for greasing
grated Parmesan
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cook potato slices in boiling, salted water for 5 minutes.
Slice eggplant into 1/4-inch slices, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Bake eggplant slices for 6-7 minutes per side.
Set aside potato and eggplant slices.
In a large saucepan, sauté chopped onions with salt in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.
Add oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, and garlic; cook until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with red wine, allowing it to bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes.
Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove meat sauce from heat.
For the béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour and whisk to make a paste. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
Slowly add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes, whisking frequently.
Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the béchamel.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with vegetable oil.
Lay out potato slices in the pan and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.
Place eggplant slices on top of the potatoes and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.
Spoon meat sauce on top and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.
Pour béchamel sauce over the meat sauce and top with the remaining 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.
Cover with foil (sprayed lightly with vegetable oil) and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Expert advice for the best results
For a richer flavor, use a blend of ground beef and ground lamb.
Make the meat sauce and béchamel sauce ahead of time for easier assembly.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the moussaka for a crispier crust.
Everything you need to know before you start
20 minutes
Meat sauce and bechamel can be made 1-2 days in advance.
Serve warm, garnished with a sprig of parsley.
Serve with a Greek salad.
Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Such as a Cabernet Sauvignon
from Greece.
Discover the story behind this recipe
A staple dish in Greek cuisine, often served during special occasions.
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