Beef moussaka is a hearty dish that combines layers of meat, potatoes, and a rich béchamel sauce baked to perfection. This traditional Greek recipe has gained popularity worldwide due to its delicious taste and comforting nature. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering beef moussaka in your kitchen.
#### Ingredients
- 1 kg ground beef (leaner for healthier options)
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 4 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 500g tomatoes, diced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 200ml béchamel sauce
- 300g bechamel sauce (for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 500ml milk
#### Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Deep baking dish or lasagne pan
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin (optional for the béchamel sauce)
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Meat Layer:**
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Cook for about 10 minutes or until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth (or water). Simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. **Prepare the Potato Layer:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender.
- Drain well, then spread out on paper towels to dry for about 10 minutes.
3. **Make the Béchamel Sauce:**
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Gradually whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for about 2-3 minutes without letting it brown.
- Slowly stir in milk, continuing to whisk until smooth and thickened. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Assemble the Moussaka:**
- Grease a deep baking dish or lasagne pan generously with olive oil.
- Spread half of the béchamel sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Layer in one-third of the potatoes, followed by half of the beef mixture.
- Repeat layers once more, finishing with the remaining béchamel sauce and a layer of béchamel on top.
5. **Bake the Moussaka:**
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
6. **Serve:**
- Let the moussaka rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
#### Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, replace the beef with mushrooms and omit the béchamel sauce or use a dairy-free alternative.
- To make ahead, prepare layers up to three days in advance. Cover with foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
By following these steps, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic beef moussaka that will surely impress your family and friends! This dish is not only rich in flavor but also a delightful blend of textures, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or a satisfying weeknight meal.