InternationalDinnerFat Loss FriendlyBalanced Meals

Moussaka

Moussaka is a Dinner international recipe with 351 calories per serving, nutrition details, and step-by-step preparation guidance.

Calories

351 kcal

Total Time

90 min

Servings

6

Protein

24.6 g

About This Recipe

The story behind Moussaka

Moussaka is a dinner recipe with broad, cross-cultural appeal rather than roots in a single national cuisine. Dishes like this travel easily between kitchens and regions, picking up local ingredients and techniques along the way, which is why you will find so many variations built around eggplant, beef, and onion.

Like most enduring dinner recipes, this one is less about a rigid formula and more about balance. The version on this page is written for 6 servings and lands at roughly 351 calories each, so you can see exactly how it fits your day before you start cooking.

Plan for about 90 minutes from start to finish. The steps below keep the method approachable for a home cook while staying close to the flavors that make Moussaka worth coming back to.

Ingredients

  • Eggplant4 cup (360 g)
  • Beef400 g
  • Onion1 count (150 g)
  • Carrot1 medium (60 g)
  • Red Wine1/2 glass (70 ml)
  • Beef Broth1/4 cup (60 g)
  • Thyme1/2 tablespoon (2 g)
  • Parmesan Cheese6 tablespoon (30 g)
  • Oil2 tablespoon (20 ml)
  • Flour3 tablespoon (24 g)
  • Butter1 tablespoon (30 g)
  • Milk2 cup (480 ml)
  • Potato2 medium (360 g)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Step 1

    First, wash and slice the eggplants.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Add a little salt on both sides and place them on a paper towel.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Let stand for 30 minutes. Dry and brush with half of the oil.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Heat a griddle over medium heat and brown the eggplants. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Chop the onion and the carrot. Separately, finely chop the beef. Set aside.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Place a pan over medium heat, pour half of the remaining oil and stir-fry the onion and carrot for 7 minutes over medium-low heat.

  7. 7

    Step 7

    Once softened, add the previously grated or finely chopped tomato. Let cook for 10 minutes.

  8. 8

    Step 8

    Place another pan over medium heat, pour the remaining oil and lightly fry the beef.

  9. 9

    Step 9

    Add the beef to the tomato and add the thyme, wine and broth. Cook for 10 minutes or until the liquid evaporates.

  10. 10

    Step 10

    Place a pan over medium heat and add the butter.

  11. 11

    Step 11

    Once the butter has melted, add the flour and mix.

  12. 12

    Step 12

    Add the milk gradually, stirring constantly. Stir with a whisk to avoid lumps.

  13. 13

    Step 13

    Continue stirring until the sauce is ready. Set aside.

  14. 14

    Step 14

    Slice the potatoes and place on a rectangular bowl.

  15. 15

    Step 15

    Place a layer of eggplants and then cover with a layer of beef.

  16. 16

    Step 16

    Repeat this process until all the ingredients have been used.

  17. 17

    Step 17

    Cover with the milk, flour and butter sauce.

  18. 18

    Step 18

    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes at 320 °F (160 °C). Next, broil for 3 minutes at 428 °F (220 °C).

Nutrition Snapshot

Macros and micros at a glance

52/ 100

Forkd Score · Moderate

This recipe scores well for protein density and fiber density relative to its per-serving calories.

Calories

351

Protein

24.6g

Carbs

71.2g

Fat

16g

Fiber

7.8g

Micronutrients

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Diet and Allergen Guide

Vegetarian

No

Vegan

No

Gluten Free

No

Dairy Free

No

Allergens

MilkEggGluten

Meal Prep and Storage

Make it easier to prep ahead

Moussaka can usually be portioned into airtight containers and refrigerated for 2 to 4 days depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Moussaka

How many calories are in Moussaka?

Moussaka has about 351 calories per serving based on the current ingredient list and serving size on this page.

How long does Moussaka take to make?

Moussaka takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. That is roughly about 90 minutes of prep. Actual times vary with your equipment and how much you prep in advance.

What ingredients can I substitute in Moussaka?

Most ingredients in Moussaka can be swapped for what you have on hand. Keep substitutions in the same role, trade one vegetable for another, one starch for another, or a protein for a similar protein, so cooking times and texture stay close. For dietary needs you can swap Flour for a gluten-free equivalent and use a plant-based version of Parmesan Cheese. Larger swaps will shift the calories and macros shown on this page.

How should I store leftover Moussaka?

Moussaka can usually be portioned into airtight containers and refrigerated for 2 to 4 days depending on the ingredients used. Let it cool before sealing, and keep it refrigerated rather than at room temperature.

Can I freeze Moussaka?

Yes, Moussaka generally freezes well. Cool it completely, portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I reheat Moussaka?

Reheat Moussaka gently until it is piping hot throughout. The microwave is quickest for single portions, while the stovetop or oven keeps the texture closer to fresh. Add a splash of water or oil if it looks dry.

Can I scale Moussaka up or down?

Yes. Moussaka is written for 6 servings, and you can multiply or divide every ingredient by the same factor to scale it. Keep the ratios identical and check for doneness rather than watching the clock, since cooking times change only slightly. The calories and macros above are per serving, so they stay the same when you scale evenly.

What pan or dish should I use for Moussaka?

A large skillet, saucepan, or sheet pan works well for Moussaka. Pick one big enough to hold the ingredients in a single layer so everything cooks evenly instead of steaming.

How do I know when Moussaka is cooked properly?

Moussaka is ready when the eggplant is fully cooked through, no pink in the center for meat, opaque and flaky for fish, and set for eggs. Checking the thickest part with a thermometer or a clean cut is the most reliable test.

Is Moussaka suitable for vegetarians?

No. Moussaka is not vegetarian as written because it includes Beef.

Is Moussaka gluten-free?

Moussaka is not reliably gluten-free as written because it includes Flour. You can often adapt it with gluten-free swaps if needed.

Are there any allergen ingredients in Moussaka?

Yes. This recipe includes Milk, Egg, and Gluten. Always review ingredient labels if you are cooking for an allergy-sensitive household.

Can I make Moussaka ahead of time?

Moussaka can usually be portioned into airtight containers and refrigerated for 2 to 4 days depending on the ingredients used.

How can I adjust Moussaka for my calorie or macro goals?

To make Moussaka higher in protein, add a lean protein source or swap part of the starch for a higher-protein ingredient. To lower calories, reduce calorie-dense toppings or oils while keeping the core ingredients the same.

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