Moussaka Beef Recipe

Cheetahshop

August 03, 2023

Introduction

If you love Greek food, you must have heard about Moussaka. It is a traditional Greek dish that is made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce. It is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for dinner. In this article, we will share the recipe for Moussaka Beef. This recipe uses beef instead of lamb, which is a popular variation of the classic recipe.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Moussaka Beef:

1 kg of ground beef
4 large eggplants
2 onions, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1/2 cup of red wine
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp of dried oregano
1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
6 tbsp of butter
6 tbsp of flour
4 cups of milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants

The first step is to prepare the eggplants. You can either peel or leave the skin on. Slice the eggplants into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes. This will help remove the bitterness from the eggplants. Rinse the eggplants with water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent. Add the ground beef and brown it for 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the canned diced tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

In a separate pot, melt 6 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add 6 tbsp of flour and whisk until it turns into a paste. Gradually add 4 cups of milk and whisk until it thickens. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Moussaka

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a large baking dish with olive oil. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the eggplant slices on top of the breadcrumbs. Spread half of the beef mixture on top of the eggplant slices. Layer the remaining eggplant slices on top of the beef mixture. Pour the béchamel sauce on top of the eggplant slices. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Moussaka

Bake the Moussaka in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Here are the approximate nutritional values for one serving of Moussaka Beef:

Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 25g
Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

Moussaka Beef is a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for dinner. It may take some time to prepare, but the end result is worth it. The combination of beef, eggplants, and béchamel sauce creates a wonderful blend of flavors that will leave you satisfied. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Greece in your own home!