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Gluten-Free Moussaka Recipe: Low Carb, Vegetarian Option

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Gluten-Free Moussaka Recipe: Low Carb, Keto, Vegetarian Option

This gluten-free moussaka recipe made with lamb or beef (or kept vegetarian) is delicious, comforting, and when served with a crispy salad is a perfect dinner for those warm summer nights. 

While many moussaka recipes are a higher difficulty, this one keeps things simple, easy, and perfect for a gluten free diet!

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE RECIPE FOR EASY GLUTEN-FREE MOUSSAKA


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The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here

What is Moussaka?

Moussaka is an eggplant (aubergine) casserole from the Mediterranean/Balkans regions. 

It’s traditionally a layered casserole with eggplant, bechamel sauce, and meat sauce, but ingredients can easily be substituted to make this dish your own!

Not a fan of eggplant?  Sub zucchini!  Further customize it by using your favorite ground meat of choice (or omitting it entirely for a vegetarian version).

Is Moussaka Gluten-Free?

It depends on the recipe.  This recipe is a naturally gluten-free version, but some traditional moussaka recipes may use flour to thicken the béchamel sauce (which would make it not gluten-free.) 

If eating out at Greek restaurants, you’d definitely need to check on the chef’s preparation to ensure safety. 

If you want to know more about what questions to ask to ensure safe gluten-free dining, check out this post.

But rest assured this is a completely gluten-free recipe that is sooo simple to make at home! It also is naturally low in carbs making it a great keto moussaka recipe!

Be sure to add this super-simple recipe to your weekly menu, and keep reading for the recipe!

Ready to take back control of your meals and love your gluten free life? Take the 45 second quiz to get a personalized plan with the guide you need to thrive!

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>> Click here for your custom guide to success! <<

Easy Moussaka Recipe Variations:

Moussaka is very versatile. This traditional Greek dish can be a few different ways. Here are some variations you might want to try:

Gluten-Free Beef Moussaka

To make a gluten-free beef moussaka recipe, use a lean ground beef in the recipe.

Gluten-Free Lamb Moussaka

To make a traditional gluten-free lamb moussaka recipe, simply use ground lamb.

Gluten-Free Vegetarian Moussaka Recipe

To make this recipe into a gluten-free vegetarian moussaka recipe, omit the meat entirely!  Simply fry the onion and garlic until cooked then add the tomato puree, cinnamon, herbs and cloves. 

You could get creative and sub some gluten-free meat substitutes or lentils, but I do not think it’s necessary to have a delicious dinner!

Can You Freeze Moussaka?

If you want to make this into a freezer meal, freeze the moussaka before baking. 

Simply assemble the moussaka in a freezer safe baking dish (like this one!), cover the casserole directly with plastic wrap (to avoid air touching it and protect it from freezer burn), cover with aluminum foil, and freeze immediately.  Casseroles can be frozen for up to 3 months. 

To bake, thaw completely and bake according to the remaining recipe directions.

If you want to freeze after baking, be sure to cool to room temperature before wrapping and freezing.

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Moussaka

This recipe would taste great with so many different side dishes! Try a simple leafy greens salad on the side, a Mediterranean inspired white bean salad, roasted veggies, or this keto cucumber salad

Ingredients Needed for Gluten-Free Moussaka

This gluten-free moussaka recipe couldn’t be easier to prep and get cooking!  All these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, but you’ll find great deals on gluten-free spices and organic canned tomatoes at Thrive Market.

Click here to learn more about Thrive Market and a promotional link to save up to $20 on your first order!

To make gluten-free lamb, beef, or vegetarian moussaka you’ll need:

Tools Needed for Making Moussaka

To make this recipe you’ll need:

If you wish to grate your own cheese (which will make for a smoother sauce and omit added starches), you’ll need a cheese grater as well.

Personally, I love grating my own cheese, but find it super tedious. 

I LOVE putting my cheese through this kitchen-aid grater attachment!   It makes grating cheese SOOO simple and quick!  I use it all the time.

Gluten-Free Moussaka Recipe

While many moussaka recipes are an ‘intermediate’ level difficulty, these steps make this recipe simple and easy!

Step 1: Prepare the tomato sauce mixture

In a skillet over medium-high heat, fry the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, then (if using), add ground meat and fry until cooked. 

Add tomato paste, cinnamon, herbs and cloves stir together well.  Once combined, add water (or wine if using) so the mixture isn’t too thick then put it to one side.

Step 2: Prepare the eggplant

This simple preparation of the eggplant is the step that takes this recipe to SO simple!

Wash eggplant, pat them dry and cut them into long slices about a quarter of an inch thick. 

Cook the eggplant slices in the microwave for five minutes and drain off the liquid, then put to one side. If you don’t drain the liquid enough, you can get a watery moussaka. No one wants that!

Alternatively, you could roast the eggplants in the oven.

Step 3: Prepare the Gluten-Free Bechamel Sauce

In a sauce pan, warm the cream cheese gently over medium heat until it becomes liquid, add cream, nutmeg and whisk together well until smooth. Season with salt to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Moussaka

In a large casserole dish, layer half the tomato mixture, half the eggplant, then half the cream.  Repeat and then top with grated cheese.

Step 5: Cook until the grated cheese is golden

gluten-free Moussaka in casserole dish Image

Step 6: Dig in! Enjoy your low carb moussaka!

Be sure to pin this super easy recipe to your Gluten-Free Recipes or Dinner Recipes Pinterest board so you can access it quick and easy whenever you’re ready to make it!

Scroll down for the printable recipe, and take the FREE quiz to discover your personalized gluten free plan to claim back your love of food!

What’s they key to loving your gluten free life? Take this quick quiz to get a personalized plan with the guide you need to thrive!

image of sharon mccaskill with computer with snag your ideal gluten free eating plan

>> Click here for your customized guide to success! <<

Did you love this simple moussaka recipe?

If so, be sure to pin it to Pinterest or share it on social media using the social sharing buttons below. And be sure to try some other creamy and delicious low carb recipes like this keto sausage curry.

gluten-free Moussaka in casserole dish Image

Gluten-Free Moussaka

This gluten-free moussaka recipe made with lamb or beef (or kept vegetarian) is delicious, comforting, and comes together quickly and easily
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • skillet
  • sauce pan
  • casserole dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggplant (abergine)

Tomato Mixture

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef or lamb; omit for vegetarian
  • 1 medium onion (chopped finely)
  • 4 oz tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup red wine (or water)

Gluten-Free Bechamel

  • 5 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 cups grated hard cheese (I recommend a blend or Parmesan & Romano or feta)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  •  Fry the onion and garlic until cooked then add minced lamb and fry until cooked. Add tomato puree, cinnamon, herbs and cloves stir together well.
    Add the water or (wine if using) so the mixture isn't too thick then put it to one side.
  • Wash aubergines, pat them dry and cut them into long slices about a quarter of an inch thick.
  • Cook in the microwave for five minutes and drain off the liquid, then put to one side.
  • Warm the cream cheese gently until it becomes liquid, add cream, nutmeg and stir together well
  •  In a large casserole type dish, start to layer up the cooked ingredients.
    Start with a layer of tomato mixture, then eggplants, then cream layer.
    Repeat until the dish is full and top it off with the grated hard cheese and Italian seasoning.
  • Bake in pre-heated oven at 400F for 45 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

*While you should be able to find all these ingredients at your local grocery, Thrive Market has great deals on gluten-free tomato paste and seasonings.  Learn more about Thrive Market and save up to $20 on your first order here.
Keyword cheese, eggplant, gluten-free, keto, low carb


Becky, great without gluten

This recipe is by Becky, a Coeliac of twenty plus years.


Becky wants to give back to the community that has helped so much over the years.

She does this by publishing her favorite gluten-free recipes (like these gluten-free blueberry muffins) on her website Great Without Gluten.

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Recipe Rating




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Pastor Salongo Bahati Emmanuel

Monday 25th of May 2020

Very good, I like your lessons

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