Traditional Greek Moussaka Recipe

Traditional Greek Moussaka Recipe – Just Like Yiayia Makes

There’s something magical about the smell of traditional Greek Moussaka baking in the oven. It takes me back to my childhood summers in Greece, watching my Yiayia (Greek grandmother) lovingly prepare this iconic dish. If you’ve ever had authentic Moussaka, you know it’s a comforting and flavorful dish with layers of eggplant, savory beef, and creamy béchamel sauce. And today, I’m sharing Yiayia’s easy yet authentic Greek Moussaka recipe so you can enjoy this Mediterranean classic at home!

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What is Traditional Greek Moussaka?

Moussaka is one of the most beloved Greek foods, often served as a hearty dinner. It’s a layered baked pie made with tender slices of aubergine (Mousakka Med Aubergine), a spiced beef and tomato sauce, and a velvety béchamel topping. Though variations exist across the Mediterranean, Greek Moussaka is the most well-known.

I remember the first time I tried making Moussaka on my own. I called Yiayia for guidance, and she stressed two things: never rush the process, and always use high-quality ingredients. Following her advice, I’ve perfected this recipe, and now I’m sharing it with you!

Why This is the Best Traditional Greek Moussaka Recipe

Authentic taste: This follows the traditional method, just like Greek grandmothers make.

Healthy ingredients: I’ll include a few tips to make it lighter without compromising flavor.

Easy step-by-step guide: If you’ve never made Moussaka before, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Eggplant Layer:

3 large eggplants (aubergines)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or lamb for a richer flavor)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 cup beef broth

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

4 tbsp butter

4 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 egg yolks

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Greek Moussaka

Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant

Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Rinse and pat dry, then brush with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden.

Step 2: Making the Savory Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Brown the beef, then add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth.

Stir in cinnamon, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.

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Step 3: Assembling the Layers

In a baking dish, layer half the eggplant slices, followed by the meat sauce. Repeat and top with remaining eggplant.

Step 4: Making the Creamy Béchamel Topping

Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux.

Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until thick. Stir in nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolks.

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Step 5: Baking the Moussaka

Pour the béchamel sauce over the layered dish and spread evenly.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes until golden brown.

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Serving Suggestions & Variations

Serve with a fresh Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

For a healthy version, substitute part of the béchamel with Greek yogurt.

Make it vegetarian by replacing beef with lentils or mushrooms.

FAQs About Greek Moussaka

Can I make Moussaka ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it the day before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

What makes Greek Moussaka different from other Mediterranean dishes?

Greek Moussaka stands out due to its béchamel topping, which gives it a creamy, indulgent finish.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the best traditional Greek Moussaka recipe, just like Yiayia makes! I hope you give it a try and experience the magic of authentic Greek foods. Don’t forget to check out my recommended kitchen tools to make the process even easier. Happy cooking!

Did you love this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below!