Meals Matter

Easy Moussaka

Contributed By: tiredmoms
Tassy

This take on the classic Greek casserole uses a mixture of ricotta and feta cheeses instead of the conventional white sauce, which is made from butter, flour and milk.

Ingredients

Butter, for baking dish

1 Large eggplant, peeled and cut into one-inch chunks

7 tbsp Olive oil

Salt and pepper

2 Onions, chopped

2 Garlic cloves, minced

1 pound Ground beef or lamb

1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, drained

2 tsp Tomato paste

1/3 cup Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 tsp Dried oregano

1 tsp Ground cinnamon

1 cup Ricotta cheese, room temperature

3/4 cup Feta cheese, room temperature

1 Large egg, room temperature

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Butter a four-quart ovenproof dish. On a baking sheet, toss the eggplant with 6 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer, and roast in the oven until soft and golden, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer eggplant to the prepared dish, spreading in an even layer.

2. In a large saucepan, warm the remaining tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ground meat; cook, stirring to prevent sticking, until meat is browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the drained tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Simmer, crushing tomatoes with the edge of a spoon, 15 minutes. Spread the mixture evenly over the eggplant.

3. Heat broiler. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, feta, egg, 1/8 teaspoon pepper and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture over the casserole, and spread evenly to the edges. Broil until topping is browned in spots, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Cook's Notes

I use beef (not lamb), and I generally don't have fresh parsley on hand. Dried is fine. The recipe looks long and complicated but it really isn't. It isn't any more complicated than making spaghetti sauce or shepherd's pie.

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Recipe Details

Total Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients: Beef
Vegetables
Actual Cooking Time: Less than 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 6
Origin: Mediterranean & Mid-Eastern
Meal Type: Entree