Moussaka

Food Network Kitchens

From Food Network Kitchens

Rated 5 stars out of 5
  • Rate This Recipe
  • Read 37 Reviews
Total Time:
2 hr 35 min
Prep
35 min
Cook
2 hr 0 min
Yield:
about 6 to 8 main course servi
Level:
--
x

Save To My Recipe Box

Please limit to 20 characters

Saving Recipe

Adding Recipe

Or Do Not Add

Success

This recipe was saved to your Folder_Name folder.

x

Save To My Recipe Box

Please sign in to save this recipe to your Recipe Box!!

25 Characters Max

Enter Time:

:
:

You can create up to five timers

Ingredients

  • EGGPLANT
  • 2 large eggplants (about 2 3/4 pounds), unpeeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • MEAT SAUCE
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups whole, peeled, canned tomatoes (with puree), roughly chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • CUSTARD SAUCE
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano

Directions

Bake the eggplant: Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Brush the eggplant slices on both sides with the oil and lay on 2 small or 1 large foil-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake until the eggplant is soft, about 25 minutes. Set aside covered.

Make the meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beef, oregano, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. Break the meat up into small pieces and season with the 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring, until just cooked but still slightly pink inside, about 1 minute more. Add the tomato and bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Cover, and cook until the sauce is thickened and fragrant, about 20 minutes.

Make the custard sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add the milk, salt, and nutmeg. Return to the heat and while whisking constantly, bring to a boil. Simmer 2 minutes. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and stir to cool. When the sauce is cool, whisk in the egg and yolks.

Assemble the moussaka. Lower the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush a 9 x 13 x 2-inch casserole dish with the oil. Scatter the breadcrumbs over the bottom of the pan. Lay half of the eggplant in the pan, overlapping the slices if needed. Cover with half of the meat sauce and smooth with a rubber spatula. Repeat with the remaining eggplant and meat sauce. Pour the custard sauce over the layered mixture and smooth with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle with the Pecorino Romano and bake, uncovered, until lightly browned and the custard is set, about 1 hour.

Remove the moussaka from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or spatula to serve.

  • Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved

Print Recipe

COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT

    

Sign in

All fields are required.

E-mail Address:

Password:

Remember me on this computer

Signing in

Please enter your email address and we will send your password

E-mail Address

Your password has been sent and should arrive in your mailbox very soon.

Not a member?

Sign up for My Food Network to share photos, show off your style, and connect to an enthusiastic and helpful community.

It's free and easy.

Review This Recipe

You must be signed in to review this recipe.

Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 38 reviews

  • on February 09, 2012

    Flag

    This is a great recipe as is, but I have made a few modifications to suit my needs. I thinly slice a potato and put a layer over the entire bottom of the pan over the breadcrumbs, which helps sop up some of the sauce. I double the spices in the meat sauce. Instead of using olive oil on the eggplant, I use olive oil cooking spray. I often make it without the bechamel. I simply cover the pan with foil and bake. That cuts a lot of they calories/fat. When I have company, I usually make the bechamel, but I always use skim milk because that's what I typically have on hand, and it still comes out great. The only modification that I really think is absolutely necessary is the doubling of the spices. Other than that, you can make it as is or modify it to your liking.

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
  • on November 03, 2011

    Flag

    This recipe is awesome!!! I followed everything exactly, except I used one pound of lamb instead of beef. My family loved it, too! Tasted just as good as my local greek restaurant!

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
  • on September 26, 2011

    Flag

    This was great! Great flavor... Everybody loved it. I simmered the meat without the lid on which was good because I think it would have been too watery otherwise. I think I may add a thin layer of potato next time which is what my local Greek restaurant does but I have to say mine was just as good as theirs. Definitely recommend making this!

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
Advertisement

Free Recipe of the Day Newsletter

Let Food Network chefs plan what's for dinner, with quick and easy recipes delivered to your inbox daily.

Ads by Google