Our low carb version of this Greek classic is juicy, cheesy, packed with vegetables and way quicker and easier to prepare than the original. Even the Greek gods would lick their fingers after savoring this hearty meal.
April 19 2018 recipe by Jill Wallentin, photo by Frida Ström, nutritional review by Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE in Recipes, Dinner, Meal
Our low carb version of this Greek classic is juicy, cheesy, packed with vegetables and way quicker and easier to prepare than the original. Even the Greek gods would lick their fingers after savoring this hearty meal.
USMetric
4 servingservings
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g eggplant
- ¼ cup 60 ml olive oil
- 1 (4 oz.) 1 (110 g) yellow onion, choppedyellow onions, chopped
- 2 2 garlic clove, choppedgarlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1¼ lbs 550 g ground chicken, or any other ground meat
- ½ cup 120 ml tomato sauce
Cheese sauce
- ½ cup 120 ml heavy whipping cream
- 3 oz. (6 tbsp) 85 g (90 ml) cream cheese
- 1 1 garlic clove, pressedgarlic cloves, pressed
- ¼ tsp ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups (8 oz.) 475 ml (230 g) shredded Gouda cheese, divided
- ¼ tsp ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Serving
- 3 oz. (1½ cups) 85 g (350 ml) leafy greens (optional)
This recipe has been added to the shopping list.
www.dietdoctor.com
Making low carb simple
Instructions
Instructions are for 4 servings. Please modify as needed.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Chop the eggplant into roughly 1/2-inch (1x1 cm) cubes. There's no need to peel it. In a large frying pan, fry eggplant in olive oil over medium heat.
Add the yellow onion, garlic, ground cinnamon, paprika powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Fry for a few minutes until the onion and eggplant start to soften and brown.
Add the ground chicken and fry until cooked through. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
In a saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and half the Gouda cheese (save the other half for later). Simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Add ground nutmeg if you're using any, and stir well.
Transfer the ground chicken to a large baking dish or several small ones. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle over the remaining Gouda cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese turns golden. Serve with leafy greens.
You might also like
- ★4.87|45 m|EasyKeto pesto chicken casserole with feta cheese and olives
- ★4.79|35 m|EasyKeto taco meatza
- ★4.81|55 m|MediumKeto zucchini lasagna
- ★4.79|20 m|EasyKeto fajita chicken casserole
- ★4.93|40 m|EasyItalian chicken meatballs with cream sauce and broccoli
- ★4.81|45 m|MediumKeto chicken casserole
- ★4.77|65 m|MediumStuffed chicken breast with zoodles and tomato sauce
- ★4.75|30 m|MediumLow carb chicken parmesan
- ★4.84|60 m|EasyKeto Buffalo chicken with paprika mayo and butter-fried cabbage
- ★4.80|65 m|MediumKeto cheesy chicken spaghetti squash
- ★4.70|40 m|EasyFlying Jacob casserole
- ★4.85|35 m|EasyKeto chicken fajita bowl
- ★4.83|50 m|EasyKeto Caprese chicken
- ★4.76|35 m|EasyKeto fried chicken with broccoli and butter
- ★4.68|15 m|EasyKeto chicken with herb butter
- ★4.81|30 m|MediumKeto garlic mushroom chicken thighs
- ★4.80|55 m|EasyKeto chicken Provençale
- ★4.74|60 m|MediumKeto Indian butter chicken
- ★4.56|110 m|ChallengingLow carb lamb roast with broccoli purée
- ★4.79|50 m|MediumKeto Asian chicken with peanut coleslaw
- ★4.89|50 m|EasyRoasted chicken legs and cherry tomatoes with garlic butter
- ★4.78|45 m|MediumItalian keto chicken parmesan with cabbage pasta
- ★4.90|60 m|ChallengingKeto chicken Alfredo pasta
- ★4.81|45 m|EasyCrispy keto chicken thighs with lemon butter caper sauce
- ★4.72|55 m|EasyKeto roast chicken with broccoli and garlic butter
←
→
DD+ MEMBERSHIP
Want to lose weight and improve your health? Try a ketogenic (keto), low-carb,or high-protein diet. Stay on track by following our nutritionally reviewed meal plans.
Whether you’re looking for high-protein, strict keto, or liberal low-carb recipes, here you’ll find tons of tasty recipes to choose from. Discover our wide range of healthy recipes.
There are many thoughts and ideas about what foods are and aren’t part of a healthy diet. Learn more about what foods you can expect from our recipes.
💬 Have you tried this recipe?
What did you think? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
1 2
85 comments
51
Purple
May 19 2019
Good, but too high in proteins per serving.
52
Reply to comment #35 by Jude
Nelly
June 7 2019
It freezes well, and tastes better the next day...
53
Missy
June 12 2019
Is draining the meat just assumed? Recipe doesn't mention, so I didn't and ended up with a concoction swimming in grease. Liked the cheese sauce, but the rest was literally hard to swallow. Any suggestions for next time?
Reply: #54
54
Reply to comment #53 by Missy
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
See AlsoKeto Coconut Shrimp Recipe with Pineapple Mango Salsa - in 30 minutes!21 Spaghetti Squash Recipes That'll Convince You That You're Eating Italian PastaKeto Wrap with Deli Roast Beef & Brie Cheese - Recipe - Diet DoctorHealthy Cauliflower Rice Recipes: Sloppy Jane Stuffed Peppers, Cheesy Broccoli Cauli' RiceJune 13 2019
Is draining the meat just assumed? Recipe doesn't mention, so I didn't and ended up with a concoction swimming in grease. Liked the cheese sauce, but the rest was literally hard to swallow. Any suggestions for next time?
Different meats yield different amounts of grease. The choice to drain the excess or not is always up to you!
55
Anongrl
July 2 2019
As a Greek, I give this a huge thumbs up. I have cooked it in one-pot and it's a fantastic low-carb meal.
Reply: #67
56
Nicky
August 17 2019
I love this it is one of my favourites
57
Reply to comment #8 by Liza
Rana Aboutaleb
October 28 2019
Its Masakaa, an Egyptian recipe, it is the same, except that we fry the eggplant and ofcourse the milk beshamel sauce, but i will do is that way as i am on keto now :)
58
Pahtookie
January 18 2020
Nutrition values?
Reply: #59
59
Reply to comment #58 by Pahtookie
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
January 18 2020
Nutrition values?
All of our recipes have the full nutrition information in the Nutrition+ tab under the list of ingredients.
60
Debbie
June 3 2020
How many calories are we aloud a day I’m so confused and read everything, put in my weight height and target weight but the meal plan works out much higher than I worked out please help
Reply: #61
61
Reply to comment #60 by Debbie
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
June 4 2020
How many calories are we aloud a day I’m so confused and read everything, put in my weight height and target weight but the meal plan works out much higher than I worked out please help
We don't recommend tracking or restricting calories. Here's why.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/calories62
Mary Hayes
October 10 2020
What is causing the carbs to be so high. I try to keep mine under 6 ounces per meal.
Reply: #63
63
Reply to comment #62 by Mary Hayes
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
October 11 2020
What is causing the carbs to be so high. I try to keep mine under 6 ounces per meal.
This is one of our moderate low carb recipes. The carbs come from the eggplant, onion, garlic, tomato, cheese, cream, and spices.
- 1 comment removed
65
Cheryl
December 2 2020
just tried this recipe, and my husband loves it ! I used venison (springbok) mince, It worked out well and no oil overload cause the venison is a very lean meat. Only comment would be that we found the portion size too big, and have put plenty away for tommorow. Going to make another and freeze in portions, its ideal as a quick fix with salads.
Reply: #66
66
Reply to comment #65 by Cheryl
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
December 2 2020
just tried this recipe, and my husband loves it ! I used venison (springbok) mince, It worked out well and no oil overload cause the venison is a very lean meat. Only comment would be that we found the portion size too big, and have put plenty away for tommorow. Going to make another and freeze in portions, its ideal as a quick fix with salads.
I am glad that you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to let us know.
67
Reply to comment #55 by Anongrl
KarenKF
March 16 2021
I too am Greek and we loved this version of moussaka! Our only concern was that it was too rich due to the cheesy topping. Think with the leftovers, we might serve it over cauliflower rice to sub-due to flavors a little. I made this in the cast iron skillet and built it up from there and then stuck it in the oven to brown the top. Delish!!
68
Adriana Gutierrez
April 8 2021
Easy and delicious!
69
Vanessa
April 12 2021
What could be used instead of eggplant? I’m fructose intolerant and can’t eat eggplant :(
Reply: #70
70
Reply to comment #69 by Vanessa
Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
April 12 2021
What could be used instead of eggplant? I’m fructose intolerant and can’t eat eggplant :(
Zucchini would be a nice sub. You might need to drain the moisture a bit either by salting after you dice and letting it sit for 10-15 min or draining the pan after sautéing (after step 2 before the onion & spices) or both. Zucchini can have quite a bit of water. Cauliflower or green beans might also make good alternatives.
71
William
June 2 2021
One of the five best thing I've ever put in my mouth! Thank you!
Reply: #72
72
Reply to comment #71 by William
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
June 2 2021
One of the five best thing I've ever put in my mouth! Thank you!
Fantastic! I am glad you enjoyed this dish so much.
73
Emma
June 8 2021
This was fantastic, tasted exactly like moussaka. Highly recommend.
74
Heather
June 12 2021
Can this be made a day ahead?
Reply: #75
75
Reply to comment #74 by Heather
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
June 12 2021
Can this be made a day ahead?
Sure! Some say it tastes even better the next day!
76
Diane
July 27 2021
Easy and delicious. Am going to try using the meat/cheese mixture over spaghetti squash. Thanks for another great recipe!
77
Suzanne
August 2 2021
Tried this recipe last night and it was DELICIOUS! I used ground turkey. I couldn't find Gouda at the store, so had to use an aged cheddar I had. It was still amazing. I love gouda too and look forward to trying it that way next time. I definitely recommend using the optional nutmeg.
78
Carole
August 8 2021
Any eggs in the bechemel?
Reply: #79
79
Reply to comment #78 by Carole
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
August 9 2021
Any eggs in the bechemel?
This is an egg free recipe. The sauce that's included is a little different from our bechamel recipe. You can view that recipe at this link if you would like to compare.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/recipes/gluten-free-bechamel-sauce80
Leah
December 6 2021
It wasn't terrible. But I probably will not make this dish again. IF I do I would cut the cinnamon way down. 1 tbs was a bit much and over powered this dish.
Replies: #81, #82
81
Reply to comment #80 by Leah
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
December 7 2021
It wasn't terrible. But I probably will not make this dish again. IF I do I would cut the cinnamon way down. 1 tbs was a bit much and over powered this dish.
Thanks for your feedback!
82
Reply to comment #80 by Leah
G
December 18 2021
Leah, you are right about the cinnamon. One tablespoon for four servings would ruin it. One teaspoon is probably too much. I'd start with 1/2 t of cinnamon. Also cut back the oregano to 1/2 to 1 teaspoon instead of 1 Tablespoon. The higher amount of paprika would taste good (since I like paprika) but most of the recipes I looked at have little to none.
83
Jacolyn
March 7 2022
EXCELLENT!!!! So full of flavor and easy enough to make. I followed the recipe with no alteration and LOVED it! I will try freezer 1/2 of recipe as it does make quite a few servings. I served with a salad for the perfect dinner.
84
Leeny
April 13 2022
Did not find it too much cinnamon. This amount went perfectly with the other spices/herbs.
85
Melody Patton
September 8 2022
Love this recipe. I make it a lot. Wish I could see calories without having to pay.
Reply: #86
86
Reply to comment #85 by Melody Patton
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
September 9 2022
Love this recipe. I make it a lot. Wish I could see calories without having to pay.
So glad you love it, Melody! Don't forget that you can try our membership for 30 days for free! https://www.dietdoctor.com/new-member
87
John B
February 7 2023
What with the nutrition paywall, it never used to be there
Reply: #88
88
Reply to comment #87 by John B
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
February 7 2023
What with the nutrition paywall, it never used to be there
The full nutrition information has been a benefit of Diet Doctor Plus for about a year now. You can try Diet Doctor Plus with a 30 day free trial.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/new-member
1 2
