Ground Beef Moussaka Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 2 large aubergines (eggplants), sliced and salted
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups béchamel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes.
5. Meanwhile, rinse the salted aubergine slices and pat them dry. Fry the slices in a separate skillet until they are browned on both sides.
6. Layer the ground beef mixture and fried aubergine slices in a large baking dish. Start with a layer of aubergine slices, then add a layer of ground beef mixture, and repeat until all ingredients are used up.
7. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top of the moussaka.
8. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the béchamel sauce layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Verdict:

This ground beef moussaka recipe is a flavorful and hearty meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. The combination of savory ground beef and tender aubergine slices is complemented perfectly by the delicate and creamy béchamel sauce. The crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch to the dish, making it hard to resist going back for more.

Serving Suggestions:

– Serve with a side of salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
– Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven for an easy and satisfying meal.