Moussaka is a beloved dish, rich in flavor and comfort. This version with layers of tender potatoes, spiced ground beef, and a creamy béchamel sauce is perfect for a hearty meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Potato Layer:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Ground Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted water, bring the potatoes to a boil and cook until tender (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the potato slices in batches until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside. - Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, and allspice. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Make the Béchamel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
Gradually add the milk while whisking, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the sauce until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. - Assemble the Moussaka:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked potatoes on the bottom. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly on top of the potatoes.
Pour the béchamel sauce over the beef layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
Calories: ~450 per serving
A comforting and filling meal, this Moussaka is sure to be a family favorite! Enjoy it with a simple side salad for a complete dinner.