Best Moussaka Lamb Shanks Casserole Recipes

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MOUSSAKA: EGGPLANT CASSEROLE



Moussaka: Eggplant Casserole image

Greek Moussaka is an eggplant casserole with layers of roasted eggplant and spiced meat sauce, topped with creamy bechamel sauce. Once baked, be sure to allow the moussaka a few minutes to rest before cutting through, the casserole needs to settle so it does not fall apart when you slice into it. More tips in the post and recipe notes.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Entree

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 large eggplants, (sliced lengthwise into 1/4 inch-thick slices, end slices discarded)
salt
Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoon breadcrumbs
1 large yellow onion, (finely chopped)
1 pound ground lamb (or beef)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon paprika or hot paprika
1/2 cup red wine
14 ounce can diced tomato
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup hot beef broth
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt, (more if you like)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups 2% milk, (warmed)
2 large eggs

Steps:

  • Salt the eggplant. Spread the eggplant slices in one layer and sprinkle with salt. Let set for 30 minutes to "sweat out" its bitterness.
  • Turn the broiler of your oven on.
  • Prepare a large sheet pan or two and brush with extra virgin olive oil. Pat the eggplant slices dry, removing excess salt, and assemble in one layer on the prepared pan. Brush generously with olive oil.
  • Place the sheet pan about 6 inches away from the broiler. Broil the eggplant briefly, turning over so that both sides are softened and golden brown (do not worry if parts of the eggplant are slightly charred, but watch carefully so it doesn't burn). Remove from the oven and set aside.
  • Prepare the meat sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onions on medium heat until they turn slightly golden brown, stirring regularly (about 5 minutes). Now add the ground lamb. Cook the lamb until fully browned, tossing regularly. Drain the lamb from any excess fat and return to the skillet. Add the dried oregano, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and hot paprika. Stir to coat the meat with the spices. Add the wine and boil for 1 minute to reduce. Stir in the canned tomatoes, sugar, and broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350 degrees F and work on the bechamel.
  • Make the bechamel. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden (if needed, added a little more olive oil). Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot bechamel mixture with the 2 eggs. Then return all to the pan and stir into the bechamel mixture. Continue to stir or whisk the mixture bringing to a gentle boil for just 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken a little more. (You should have a creamy, thick and smooth bechamel sauce.)
  • Assemble the moussaka. When ready, lightly oil a 9 ½" x 13" oven-safe baking dish. Layer half the eggplant slices on the bottom. Add the meat sauce and spread well. Add the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the bechamel on top and spread to cover all the eggplant, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
  • Bake. Bake the moussaka casserole on the center rack of the heated oven for 45 minutes. If you need to, transfer the baking pan to the top rack and broil briefly so that the top of the moussaka gains a nice golden brown color (watch carefully).
  • Remove from the heat and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before cutting through into squares to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.9 kcal, Sodium 259.4 mg, Fat 20 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, TransFat 0.1 g, Carbohydrate 19.4 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 12.3 g, Cholesterol 61.2 mg, UnsaturatedFat 10.5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MOUSSAKA



Moussaka image

Moussaka is traditionally made with lamb, but I often use ground beef instead. The recipe looks a bit daunting, but if you prepare one step while working on another, it will save time. -Kim Powell, Knoxville, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
1 medium eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
1-1/2 pounds ground lamb or ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1-1/4 cups hot water
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste, divided
1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups 2% milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°. Arrange potato and eggplant slices in 2 greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans, overlapping as needed. Bake until cooked through, 20 minutes. Set aside; reduce oven setting to 400°., In a large skillet, cook lamb, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, 7-9 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in tomatoes, water, tomato paste, 1/4 teaspoon salt, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes., In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg., Arrange par-cooked potatoes in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, overlapping as needed. Top with lamb mixture. Arrange eggplant over top, overlapping as needed. , Top with bechamel sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 453 calories, Fat 25g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 99mg cholesterol, Sodium 700mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

LAMB MOUSSAKA WITH CURRANTS



Lamb Moussaka with Currants image

Categories     Dairy     Lamb     Potato     Tomato     Bake     Yogurt     Casserole/Gratin     Eggplant     Bell Pepper     Winter     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

5 tablespoons olive oil
3 large green bell peppers, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
2 cups chopped onion
2/3 cup dry red wine
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 28-ounce cans Italian-style tomatoes, drained, chopped
1/2 cup dried currants
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 large eggplants (about 2 1/4 pounds total), cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 teaspoons sea salt
Olive oil
1 pound russet potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled
3 cups plain yogurt (do not use low-fat or nonfat)
3 large egg yolks

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add peppers and Sauté until tender and beginning to color, about 8 minutes. Transfer peppers to bowl. Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in same Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add lamb and Sautéuntil cooked through, breaking up with back of spoon, about 6 minutes. Add onion and Sauté until onion is tender, about 6 minutes. Add wine and cayenne pepper and cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, currants, tomato paste and nutmeg. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer until sauce is very thick and reduced to 6 cups, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, line large baking sheet with foil. Arrange eggplant slices in layers on prepared sheet, sprinkling each layer with sea salt. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
  • Preheat broiler. Line another large baking sheet with foil. Pat eggplant slices dry with paper towels. Arrange some of eggplant slices in single layer on second prepared sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil on both sides. Broil until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to platter. Repeat with remaining eggplant.
  • Boil potatoes in large pot of salted water 5 minutes. Drain. Cool. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with oil. Arrange potatoes in bottom of dish. Arrange half of eggplant slices over potatoes. Pour half of sauce over. Arrange Sautéed peppers over sauce. Arrange remaining eggplant over peppers. Pour remaining sauce over.
  • Bake moussaka until bubbling around edges, about 45. Spoon off any excess fat. Using back of spoon, press down on moussaka to compact layers. Whisk yogurt and egg yolks in medium bowl to blend. Pour over moussaka, covering completely. Bake until yogurt topping is softly set, about 15 minutes. Transfer baking dish to rack and let stand 20 minutes. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm in 400°F. oven until heated through, about 30 minutes.) Spoon moussaka onto plates.

LAMB AND EGGPLANT CASSEROLE (MOUSSAKA)



Lamb and Eggplant Casserole (Moussaka) image

Provided by David Kamen

Categories     Tomato     Bake     Dinner     Casserole/Gratin     Ground Lamb     Eggplant     Fall     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

Eggplant:
2 to 3 medium eggplants (about 3 pounds total), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Kosher salt
1/2 cup olive oil, or as needed
Meat sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and diced
1 1/4 pounds ground lamb (or beef, turkey, pork, or a combination)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 pinch ground allspice
1-inch cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry red wine
Cheese sauce:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large egg yolks
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Assembly:
1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • To prepare the eggplant:
  • 1. Place the eggplant in a colander, toss liberally with salt, and let sit for about 1 hour to drain away extra water. Squeeze out the excess water and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
  • 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Working in batches, fry the eggplant slices, turning as necessary, until tender and light brown, 4 to 5 minutes total. Transfer the cooked slices to a rack set over a baking sheet to drain while you sauté the remaining eggplant. Set aside.
  • To prepare the meat sauce:
  • 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender, about 10 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until just browned, about 5 minutes.
  • 2. Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, bay leaf, and 1/2 cup water and bring the liquids to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, season with salt and pepper, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced and the sauce is very thick, about 30 minutes.
  • 3. Add the red wine and continue simmering until the wine has reduced and developed a sweet aroma, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Set the sauce aside.
  • To prepare the cheese sauce:
  • 1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk until it is dissolved and the mixture resembles a smooth paste, about 2 minutes.
  • 2. Gradually whisk in the milk about 1 cup at a time, working out any lumps that form. Bring the sauce to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low and gently simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • 3. In a medium bowl lightly beat the egg yolks. Whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to bring them up to the same temperature. Slowly add the yolk mixture to the rest of the milk mixture, then add the cheese and blend well. Set aside and keep warm.
  • To assemble the moussaka:
  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • 2. Scatter the breadcrumbs in a deep, rectangular baking dish. Arrange about half of the eggplant slices in an even layer over the breadcrumbs. Add all of the meat sauce over the eggplant and spread into an even layer. Arrange the remaining eggplant in an even layer over the meat sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the eggplant.
  • 3. Bake the moussaka until the cheese sauce is thick and golden brown and the eggplant is very tender, about 45 minutes. Let the moussaka rest for 25 minutes before serving.

MOUSSAKA-LAMB SHANKS CASSEROLE



Moussaka-Lamb Shanks Casserole image

Make and share this Moussaka-Lamb Shanks Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Plainbil

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 lamb shanks
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chopped onions
2 garlic cloves (chopped)
1 (33 ounce) can italian-style tomatoes with basil
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon .black pepper
1 (1 lb) eggplant, 1/4 inch slices
4 potatoes, peeled and in 1/4 inch slices (about 1 3/4 lbs.)

Steps:

  • For quicker cooking, less shrinkage and easier serving, crack bone in lamb shanks. Hit shank bone once with a heavy mallet. Take care only to crack, not splinter the bone.( It is not essential to do this, but it means more meat for your money.).
  • In deep casserole, in olive oil brown lamb shanks. 2 or 3 at a time. Remove. Set aside. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until brown. Pour off surplus oil.
  • Stir in undrained tomatoes, parsley, oregano,salt and pepper.Heat 5 minutes. Remove from casserole.
  • Place half eggplant and potato slices in bottom of casserole. Add lamb shanks and tomato mixture. Top with remaining eggplant and tomato slices.
  • Cover and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove cover. Bake 15 minutes longer or until meat and vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 808.2, Fat 38.4, SaturatedFat 14.4, Cholesterol 242.1, Sodium 578.8, Carbohydrate 37.3, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 6.3, Protein 75.8

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