Description
Tender layers of roasted eggplant, savory ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese combine to create a hearty and wholesome Mediterranean-style beef and eggplant casserole that’s full of rich flavors and perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large eggplant, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 onion, diced
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil, for brushing and cooking
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to prepare for roasting and baking the casserole.
- Roast Eggplant: Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes per side until the slices are tender and lightly browned.
- Cook Beef Mixture: While the eggplant is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Layer Casserole: In a baking dish, start by layering half of the roasted eggplant slices, then spread half of the beef and tomato mixture over them. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, beef mixture, and finish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking for extra richness and depth of flavor.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute ground turkey for the beef.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Main / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian-Inspired
