Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups béchamel sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Difficulty Level:
3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until thickened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/2 cup of the béchamel sauce. Add this mixture to the meat sauce and stir until well combined.
- Spread the meat sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining béchamel sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving)
* Calories: 450
* Fat: 20 grams
* Protein: 30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 35 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and flavorful
- Comforting and hearty
- Perfect for a special occasion
- Can be made ahead of time
User Comments:
- "This moussaka was absolutely delicious! The ground beef gave it a great deep flavor."
- "I love the combination of the meat sauce and the creamy béchamel."
- "This dish was so easy to make and it turned out perfect."
- "I served this with a side of pita bread and it was a hit!"
- "I will definitely be making this again."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have béchamel sauce, you can substitute a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
- To make the dish ahead of time, cook the moussaka through and then let it cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.