Where does moussaka come from?

Moussaka hails from the Mediterranean and Middle East, but it is Greece that truly put it on the map. Think steamy layers of aubergine, spiced meat, and creamy white sauce, with tasty twists on this comfort food classic from Turkey and the Balkans too.

What goes well with moussaka?

Planning the perfect moussaka meal? Pair it with a Greek salad, warm pita, and creamy tzatziki. Lemon potatoes or roasted veggies can bring a savoury twist, while dolmades—Greek stuffed vine leaves—add an authentic Mediterranean touch.

What spices are traditionally used with moussaka?

It’s a rich mix of cinnamon, all spice, and oregano that gives moussaka its signature flavour, with black pepper adding a subtle kick to the savoury layers. As tradition demands, there’s a dash of nutmeg too and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a delightful herbal finish.

Easy Moussaka

1 hour 30 mins cooking time

Easy Moussaka

45 mins preparation time
1 hour 30 mins cooking time

Ingredients

6 portions

2 medium aubergines, sliced

2 medium courgettes, sliced

2 medium potatoes, sliced

75 g of Lurpak® Unsalted Butter

salt & pepper

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground all spice

1 kilo minced lamb

3 tbsp tomato purée

400 g chopped tomatoes

1 tsp fresh oregano

3 vine ripe tomatoes, sliced

To make the topping

75 g of Lurpak® Unsalted Butter

75 g plain flour

400 ml whole milk, warm

50 g ground parmesan cheese

¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Scan to see the recipe online

Method

To make the filling, heat 2 tbsp of Lurpak® unsalted butter in a large frying pan. Add the aubergines and cook until golden on both sides. Repeat with the courgettes and potatoes. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan add 2 tbsp of Lurpak® unsalted butter. When foaming, add the onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the lamb and cook until golden. Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato puree and oregano. Cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and then set aside.

To make a delicious vegetarian alternative, use a plant-based meat or cooked lentils instead of the minced lamb.

To make the white sauce, melt the Lurpak® butter in a medium saucepan. When foaming, add the flour and stir well for 2-3 minutes. Slowly add the milk, stirring between additions. When all the milk is incorporated, add the parmesan and nutmeg to taste.

Preheat the oven to 180c/160f/350f/gas 5.

To assemble the moussaka, place the lamb in the bottom of an oven proof dish. Add the vegetables in layers and top with the white sauce.

Bake for 30 minutes until golden and serve warm, scattered with fresh basil.

Everything about Moussaka

Moussaka hails from the Mediterranean and Middle East, but it is Greece that truly put it on the map. Think steamy layers of aubergine, spiced meat, and creamy white sauce, with tasty twists on this comfort food classic from Turkey and the Balkans too.
Planning the perfect moussaka meal? Pair it with a Greek salad, warm pita, and creamy tzatziki. Lemon potatoes or roasted veggies can bring a savoury twist, while dolmades—Greek stuffed vine leaves—add an authentic Mediterranean touch.
It’s a rich mix of cinnamon, all spice, and oregano that gives moussaka its signature flavour, with black pepper adding a subtle kick to the savoury layers. As tradition demands, there’s a dash of nutmeg too and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a delightful herbal finish.

Related recipes

Coca de Sant Juan

2 hours 30 mins

Pan De Muerto

2 hours

Fette Biscottate

30 mins

Vajas Kifli

15 mins

Chocolate Matzoh Crunch

25 mins

Pasca Baked Cheesecake

3 hours

Where there are cooks, there is hope

Cooks, find greatness in your fridge, grab your tools and your ingredients, and serve up a little good for the world.

Get cooking

All the flavour, none of the fuss moussaka

Comfort food really needn’t be complicated. So our easy moussaka recipe couldn’t be simpler. Start with aubergine, courgettes, and potatoes, sautéed in Lurpak® unsalted butter until perfectly golden. Then, layer in the spiced lamb rich with cinnamon, garlic and spices. Once baked, you've got a dish that’s golden on top, and full of flavour without any fuss. Cook, it’s time to try a Mediterranean classic that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Moussaka, ready when you are.

Some say Moussaka tastes even better the next day. That’s the beauty of our simple moussaka recipe — it’s the dish that keeps on giving. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months, and it’ll keep all its rich, layered flavour. Just wrap it tightly in cling film and a layer of foil before freezing. Then, when you're ready to enjoy, defrost thoroughly and heat until it’s golden, bubbling and just as irresistible.

Simple moussaka. Meat free? Can be.

While our traditional moussaka recipe includes lamb, it’s just as simple to create a vegetarian version that’s equally filled with flavour. Swap the meat for plant-based mince or cooked lentils, letting the spiced tomato sauce shine through. The rich layers of aubergine, courgettes, and potatoes remain, making this dish every bit as hearty and satisfying as the original—perfect for veggies and anyone else who loves comfort food done right.

Where to buy

Lurpak® Unsalted Butter

With Lurpak® by your side you’re always ready to cook, bake and fry up wonders, cook. With its delicate taste, Lurpak® Unsalted Butter enhances the flavour of whatever food you add it to. From a hearty risotto dish, your weekend baking creations, to some simple earthy mushrooms, its subtle notes complement every creation you rustle up in the kitchen. For people who love Good Food, Lurpak® makes it even better. Now sleeves up. Today we cook bold.

Where to buy