Name: Moussaka Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: greek
Ingredients: 2 eggplants medium; 5 tbs oil; 2 onions medium peeled sliced; 500g beef mince; 2 tbs tomato paste; 1 tsp mixed herbs; 165.00 ml beef stock (liquid); 250g potatoes cooked peeled; 2 tomatoes; 30g margarine; 30g plain flour; 30g cheese grated; 1 1/2 cups milk; 2 eggs

by Melissa Last updated on 04/11/2025

Greek moussaka is a classic comfort-food dish, with layers of mince, eggplant and potato, all topped with a golden bechamel sauce. Layer-up this super-easy version, pop it in the oven and you're all set for a winning dinner.

- Australia's Best Recipes Team

Ingredients

2 eggplants medium
5 tbs oil
2 onions medium peeled sliced
500g beef mince
2 tbs tomato paste
1 tsp mixed herbs
2/3 cup beef stock (liquid)
250g potatoes cooked peeled
2 tomatoes

Sauce

30g margarine
30g plain flour
30g cheese grated
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs

Method

Step 1

Slice the eggplant and spread on a plate. Sprinkle eggplant with salt and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry.
Step 2

Fry the eggplant in a little oil until brown on both sides and set aside.
Step 3

Heat the remaining oil and cook the onion until soft. Add the mince and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, stock, herbs and seasonings.
Step 4

Bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5

Slice the cooked potatoes and tomatoes.
Step 6

Line the bottom of an oven proof dish with half the eggplant. Pour over half the meat mixture and top with sliced tomatoes.
Step 7

Add the rest of the eggplant, meat and layer with the potatoes.
Step 8

Sauce: Melt the margarine, stir in the flour and gradually blend in the milk. Bring the sauce to the boil, stirring constantly. Beat in the egg yolks and cheese.
Step 9

Whisk the egg whites and fold into the sauce.
Step 10

Pour the sauce over the moussaka and bake in a moderate oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe Notes

from Australia’s Best Recipes team

Are moussaka and pastitsio the same dish?

Moussaka and pastitsio are not the same dish, but they do have some similarities. They are both Greek recipes baked in an ovenproof dish, and they both usually include mince and a bechamel sauce, although you can find vegetarian versions. However, while pastitsio uses pasta, a key ingredient in moussaka is layered eggplant.

Do I really need to salt the eggplant?

Salting is mainly necessary if the eggplant is not very fresh, as it helps to draw out any bitterness or excess moisture. If you'd like to skip this step, shop for eggplant that is firm and unblemished with lovely glossy skin.