Beat Bobby Flay: Moussaka Challenge | Full Episode Recap | S7 E7

Beat Bobby Flay: Moussaka Challenge – Full Episode Recap & Recipe Guide

In this exciting episode of Beat Bobby Flay, chefs Matt Levin and Sanaa Abourezk face off in a culinary showdown that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The challenge? To create a fantastic dish with sirloin steak that impresses the judges and earns the winner a chance to challenge Bobby Flay himself!

After a fierce competition, the victorious chef takes on the iconic moussaka, a beloved Mediterranean classic. This dish, richly layered with flavors and textures, will truly test Bobby’s culinary skills under pressure.

The Dish: Moussaka

Moussaka is a hearty and comforting dish that features layers of eggplant, seasoned meat, and a velvety béchamel sauce. This episode showcases how creativity and expertise come together to elevate classic recipes.

Ingredients

• For the Meat Layer:

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, ground
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

• For the Eggplant:

  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced into rounds
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Salt, for sweating the eggplant

• For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

   • Salt the eggplant slices and allow them to sit for 30 minutes to sweat out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and lay them on baking sheets. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

2. Make the Meat Layer:

   • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
   • Add the ground sirloin, browning it until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
   • Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix in the Parmesan cheese (and beaten egg if using) until well combined.

4. Assemble the Moussaka:

   • In a greased baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant rounds on the bottom.
   • Top with the meat mixture, followed by the remaining eggplant.
   • Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.

5. Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled moussaka for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
   • Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Moussaka can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it a perfect dish for gatherings.
• Feel free to experiment with spices or add layers of potatoes for additional heartiness.

As you dive into making this culinary masterpiece, remember the creativity and technique that went into the competition. Enjoy the process and the delicious results that follow – just like the chefs on Beat Bobby Flay!

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Video “Beat Bobby Flay: Moussaka Challenge | Full Episode Recap | S7 E7 | Food Network” was uploaded on 08/18/2025 to Youtube Channel Food Network