Papoutsakia (Greek Stuffed Aubergine Shoes with Beef and Bechamel)
Roasted aubergine halves piled with spiced beef in tomato sauce and capped with a golden bechamel topping.
Made with Basic tomato sauce and White bechamel sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr 30
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.57 a head
- Oven200°C (180°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Halve the aubergines lengthways, score the flesh and brush with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Roast cut side down for 25 minutes until soft.
25 min - 2
Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and brown the mince for 6 minutes. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes.
11 min - 3
Stir in the garlic, cinnamon and oregano, then add your ready made basic tomato sauce (see the base recipe). Simmer for 10 minutes until thick, then stir in the parsley.
10 min - 4
Turn the aubergines over and gently press down the centre of each half to make a hollow. Arrange in a large baking dish.
- 5
Spoon the beef into each hollow, then cover with your bechamel sauce (see the base recipe). Scatter over the cheese.
- 6
Bake for 25 minutes until the topping is puffed and golden. Rest for 5 minutes and serve with a green salad.
25 min
Tips
- Choose aubergines of similar size so they roast evenly.
- Press the aubergine flesh down firmly. A deep hollow holds more filling.
- Warm the bechamel before spooning it on, so it spreads smoothly and cooks evenly.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 90 minutes and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven until steaming hot all the way through. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Questions
Does papoutsakia mean shoes?
Yes. The name means little shoes in Greek, because the stuffed halves look like slippers. It is a Greek and Turkish style dish, found across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Can I make it without the bechamel?
Yes. Top with grated cheese instead, or a spoonful of plain Greek yoghurt mixed with a little parmesan, and bake the same way.
Is it dairy free?
Not with this bechamel, which uses milk and butter. Leave out the bechamel and cheese, or use a dairy free white sauce.
More made with basic tomato sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.
