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Egyptian Moussaka with Eggplant casserole
Easy Mediterranean Dishes

Egyptian Moussaka with Eggplant

Egyptian Moussaka (مسقعة) is a comforting Mediterranean dish made with tender fried eggplant, sweet red peppers, and a rich tomato-based ground beef sauce. The layers of vegetables and savory spices create a hearty, flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with rice or warm pita bread. This traditional Egyptian recipe is simple to make and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Egyptian, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Moussaka
  • 2 large eggplants sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
  • 2 medium red bell peppers sliced
  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes optional
  • 3 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
For Frying Eggplant
  • Avocado oil for frying or vegetable oil

Method
 

Prepare the Eggplant
  1. Slice the eggplant into rounds.
  2. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let it sit for 15 minutes to remove bitterness.
  3. Pat dry with paper towels.
Fry the Eggplant
  1. Heat Avocado oil ( or Vegetable oil) in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Fry eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides.
  3. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
    4. For healthier option, place the eggplant slices on a lined pan and spray with some avocado oil and air fry on 400F until golden brown ( turn them on the other side half way through), about 10 to 20 minutes depending on your airfryer.
Cook the Meat Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened
  7. Add Vinegar and simmer for 2 minutes
Assemble the Moussaka
  1. In a baking dish or skillet, layer: fried eggplant, red peppers and meat sauce.
  2. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
Simmer or Bake
  1. Traditional stovetop method: Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. Oven method: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.