Eggplant (Aubergine) Casserole Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the savory goodness of our Eggplant Casserole recipe, a delightful blend of tender eggplant, hearty ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, with a total preparation and cooking time of just 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Prep the Eggplant:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel the eggplant and cut it into large shoestrings or slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Coating and Frying:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg to create an egg wash.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat some oil and fry the eggplant slices until they turn golden brown on both sides. Once done, set them aside.
3. Prepare the Beef Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper until they become translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and water, stirring to combine. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices to your liking. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased casserole dish, start by layering half of the fried eggplant slices.
- Next, spoon half of the beef sauce evenly over the eggplant layer.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant slices, beef sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
- Sprinkle the top of the casserole with dried oregano for an extra burst of flavor.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve your delicious Eggplant Casserole hot, and savor the blend of flavors with each comforting bite.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 496.5
- Total Fat: 21.4g
- Saturated Fat: 8.6g
- Cholesterol: 138.5mg
- Sodium: 726.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 7.3g
- Sugar: 9.6g
- Protein: 31.1g
Keywords:
Oven, Stove Top, Casserole, Eggplant, Ground Beef, Mozzarella Cheese, Quick, Easy, Comfort Food
Notes:
- This Eggplant Casserole recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the beef sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Serve this casserole as a standalone dish or pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy! 🍆🧀🍽
