Description
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors with this Mexican Moussaka, featuring tender layers of roasted eggplant, spiced ground beef, and creamy béchamel sauce. Topped with melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s sure to impress your guests while delivering a comforting yet exciting taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1 pound), sliced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned whole tomatoes
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice eggplants and sprinkle with salt; let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Sauté the Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in canned tomatoes, cumin, and paprika; simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk while stirring until thickened; add nutmeg.
- Layer It Up: In a baking dish, layer half the eggplant slices, half the meat mixture, and half the béchamel sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added richness, consider using a mix of cheeses such as cheddar or queso blanco. Swap ground beef for turkey or add black beans for extra protein. Let the dish rest before serving to enhance flavors.