Quick and Delicious Moussaka Recipe

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Moussaka is a layered casserole dish that hails from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It typically features eggplant, ground meat (often lamb or beef), and a rich tomato-based sauce. The layers are topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbling. Moussaka is a comforting and flavorful dish enjoyed across various countries, including Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans.

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Directions:

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until tender.

Cooking:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

Assembly:

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant slices on the bottom. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the meat sauce on top.

Bake:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the moussaka.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.