Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/22 checked
6
servings
3 unit

red potatoes

sliced 1/4-inch thick

1 tsp

kosher salt

1 unit

eggplant

sliced

2 tbsp

olive oil

0.25 tsp

freshly ground black pepper

1 unit

onion

chopped

1 tbsp

olive oil

8 unit

ground beef

2 tsp

dried oregano

0.5 tsp

ground cinnamon

0.25 tsp

ground nutmeg

3 unit

garlic

minced

0.5 cup

red wine

8 unit

tomato sauce

5 tbsp

butter

5 tbsp

flour

4 cup

milk

heated

0.75 tsp

kosher salt

0.25 tsp

freshly ground black pepper

0.13 tsp

ground nutmeg

1 tbsp

vegetable oil

for greasing

0.75 cup

grated Parmesan

Step 1
~5 min

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2
~5 min

Cook potato slices in boiling, salted water for 5 minutes.

Step 3
~5 min

Slice eggplant into 1/4-inch slices, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4
~5 min

Bake eggplant slices for 6-7 minutes per side.

Step 5
~5 min

Set aside potato and eggplant slices.

Step 6
~5 min

In a large saucepan, sauté chopped onions with salt in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Step 7
~5 min

Add ground beef and cook until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 8
~5 min

Add oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, and garlic; cook until fragrant.

Step 9
~5 min

Deglaze the pan with red wine, allowing it to bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes.

Step 10
~5 min

Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 11
~5 min

Remove meat sauce from heat.

Step 12
~5 min

For the béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Step 13
~5 min

Add flour and whisk to make a paste. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly.

Step 14
~5 min

Slowly add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 15
~5 min

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes, whisking frequently.

Step 16
~5 min

Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the béchamel.

Step 17
~5 min

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 18
~5 min

Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with vegetable oil.

Step 19
~5 min

Lay out potato slices in the pan and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.

Step 20
~5 min

Place eggplant slices on top of the potatoes and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.

Step 21
~5 min

Spoon meat sauce on top and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.

Step 22
~5 min

Pour béchamel sauce over the meat sauce and top with the remaining 3 tablespoons of Parmesan.

Key Technique: Béchamel Sauce
Step 23
~5 min

Cover with foil (sprayed lightly with vegetable oil) and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 24
~5 min

Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

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.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Meat sauce and bechamel can be made 1-2 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
High
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a Greek salad.

Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Greek Salad
Crusty Bread

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Greece

Cultural Significance

A staple dish in Greek cuisine, often served during special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Easter
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

Family Dinner
Holiday Meal
Potluck

Popularity Score

70/100

More Greek Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Greek Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Greek
Hard
B+

Pastitsio

4.1
(1995 reviews)

A classic Greek baked pasta dish with layers of ground beef, macaroni, and a creamy béchamel sauce, topped with cheese.

120 min
600 cal
Gluten-Containing
Dairy-Containing
65%
75
Greek
Medium
A-

"Souvlakia" - Shish Kabobs

4.5
(492 reviews)

Traditional Greek pork shish kabobs marinated in lemon and oregano, grilled to perfection, and served with rice.

45 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free
75%
70
Greek
Medium
A

Greek Lasagna (Pasticho)

4.4
(1915 reviews)

A delicious Greek version of lasagna, also known as Pasticho, featuring layers of ground meat, macaroni, and a creamy cheese topping.

75 min
600 cal
Dairy
Gluten
70%
75
Greek
Medium
A-

Roast Lamb (Arni Psito)

4.2
(1722 reviews)

A classic Greek roast lamb dish, seasoned with garlic, lemon, and oregano.

180 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free
60%
75
Greek
Medium
A-

Souvlaki (Marinated Skewered Lamb)

4.3
(1674 reviews)

Marinated lamb skewers with onions, green peppers, and cherry tomatoes, broiled or grilled to perfection.

500 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
75%
70
Greek
Hard
A-

Beef Moussaka

4.3
(336 reviews)

A classic Greek casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, eggplant, and a creamy béchamel sauce.

90 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Mediterranean
60%
75
Greek
Medium
A-

Yiayia'S Greek Chicken Breasts With Potatoes

4.2
(1733 reviews)

A classic Greek recipe for chicken breasts baked with potatoes, seasoned with oregano and lemon juice.

60 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free
80%
75
Greek
Medium
B+

Greek Island Pasta

4.5
(586 reviews)

A Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring seafood, sausage, and a flavorful tomato sauce.

44 min
600 cal
Pescatarian
60%
75