Vegan Moussaka with Gluten Free Hummus “Bechamel”

Medically reviewed by Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian (RD), BASc.

This healthy vegan moussaka with creamy gluten free hummus “bechamel” is an amazing healthy family friendly recipe that can be made with or without meat and dairy!

You’ve asked for it, and I’m delivering. You want more family-friendly recipes that you can serve your family with pride. Well let me tell you, folks, put this on HEAVY rotation because it is a total hit. This healthy vegan moussaka with creamy hummus “bechamel” makes a serious casserole and my itty bitty family of three (including my 13 month old) just devoured it in two days.

I’m not going to call this vegan moussaka magic, but IT’S F*CKING MAGIC MAMAS. I don’t think I have EVER seen Baby E eat so much in one go as I have when I served this dish. As a result, he got this legit breakfast, lunch and dinner and somehow didn’t seem to get bored of it. Translation? We will definitely be making this again!

KEY INGREDIENTS FOR THIS MOUSSAKA 

Eggplant – As per any traditional moussaka recipe, this vegan version calls for two large eggplants

Veggie Ground Round – To “veganize” this moussaka, we are using veggie ground round. Not vegan? No problem. Feel free to use a ground meat of your choice. 

Chickpeas – Chickpeas is my “something new” when creating this vegan moussaka. I figured why not add some more plant-based protein to this baby? It also surprisingly adds a really nice texture to the sauce that I wasn’t expecting. 

Crushed Tomatoes – because what goes better with cheesy meaty goodness than crushed tomato? I always use a low sodium variety for this recipe.

Hummus – You can use store bought or homemade hummus. I have a great homemade recipe that you can find here. 

Cheese – You can use your favourite vegan cheese or non-vegan cheese. If you’re making this non-vegan, I would recommend using mozzarella. 

How to Make Healthy Vegan Moussaka with Creamy Hummus “Bechamel”

If you haven’t had real moussaka, it’s a classic Greek dish kinda like their take on lasagna. It’s usually made with ground lamb, bechamel, and eggplant but we’re lightening this up. Rather than using meat and a cream based sauce, I used vegan ground round (you could also easily use extra lean ground beef), and hummus for the creamy factor instead of bechamel. I also boosted the plant-based protein by adding more chickpeas to the sauce which add a really nice unexpected “pop” of texture.

What hasn’t changed, however, is the importance of salting your eggplant. Skipping this step can result in a bitter, watery casserole and nobody has time for that! Basically when you salt your eggplant, it draws out some of the bitter liquid (thanks to osmosis) and helps you cut down on the moisture and sponginess of the eggplant. The result is a silky smooth, sweet vegan moussaka casserole with serious creamy factor.

FAQ ABOUT THIS VEGAN MOUSSAKA RECIPE 

CAN THIS RECIPE STILL BE ENJOYED IF IM NOT VEGAN?

I tested this with both vegan ground round and vegan cheese, as well as real ground beef and cheese and both are equally delish! I promise your family is going to LOVE this naturally gluten free dish.

IS THIS MOUSSAKA RECIPE KID FRIENDLY?

Absolutely. This recipe is 100000% baby E approved! It’s cheesy and totally delish.

IF I DON’T HAVE STORE BOUGHT HUMMUS, CAN I MAKE IT FROM SCRATCH?

Yes definitely. And its super easy too! I have a recipe right here that you can try out .

Do you have any other casserole or lasagna recipes on the blog?

Oh definitely. Casserole might as well be my middle name. Here are some of my favourites

Cheeseburger Casserole

Pizza Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Zucchini Lasagna Pinwheels

Keto Zucchini Lasagna

Matzo Lasagna

What are some of your family’s favourite meals? Tag someone who LOVES moussaka and someone who needs this lightened up healthy vegan moussaka in their life!

Healthy Vegan Moussaka with Gluten Free Hummus "Bechamel"

This healthy vegan moussaka with creamy gluten free hummus "bechamel" is an amazing healthy family friendly recipe that can be made with or without meat and dairy!

4.34 from 6 votes

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Greek

Prep Time: 1 hour hour

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 people

Calories: 737kcal

Author: Abbey Sharp

Ingredients

• ▢ Eggplant:
• ▢ 2 large eggplants cut into 1/4" thick slices lengthwise
• ▢ 1 tbsp coarse kosher salt
• ▢ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ Sauce:
• ▢ 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1 onion diced
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 lb vegan ground round or ground beef
• ▢ 1 19 oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
• ▢ 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• ▢ 4 tsp dried oregano
• ▢ 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• ▢ 1/4 tsp allspice
• ▢ Salt and pepper
• ▢ 3 cups hummus homemade or store-bought
• ▢ 2 cups shredded vegan cheese or mozzarella cheese optional

Instructions

• Place the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle with kosher salt. Let it sit for an hour. Rinse lightly then pat the eggplant very dry.
• Preheat oven to 400 F.
• Toss the eggplant with oil and roast for 20 minutes, flipping half way through.
• Meanwhile, in a pan, heat the additional tablespoon of oil over medium heat and add in the onion and garlic. Saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add in the vegan meat or beef. If cooking meat from raw, then continue to saute until cooked through and no longer pink, about another 5 minutes.
• If not, skip to this step immediately. Add in the chickpeas, sauce, oregano, cinnamon, allspice and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, just to thicken slightly.
• Add a light layer to the bottom of a 13x9" baking dish. Add a layer of eggplant, then hummus. Repeat layers of sauce, eggplant, hummus. You should have three layers of each, ending with the hummus.
• Top with cheese, if using.
• Heat the oven to broil and broil until bubbly and caramelized on top, about 5-6 minutes.
• Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before slicing and enjoying.

Nutrition

Calories: 737kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 2928mg | Potassium: 1439mg | Fiber: 27g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Vitamin C: 17.7mg | Calcium: 206mg | Iron: 12mg

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Updated on June 25th, 2020

Abbey Sharp

Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.