Description
Hearty eggplant lasagna recipe layers Mediterranean flavors with rich Italian cheese and herb-infused vegetables. Rustic comfort emerges through carefully balanced ingredients that satisfy deep hunger and culinary curiosity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise (1/4-inch thick)
- 4 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and arrange eggplant slices on a baking sheet, generously coating with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Roast eggplant for 20-25 minutes until slices become soft and slightly caramelized.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then introduce marinara sauce and optional ground meat.
- Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, developing deep, rich flavors.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with beaten egg, incorporating salt and pepper for enhanced taste.
- Select a baking dish and create layered composition, starting with roasted eggplant slices as the foundation.
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly over eggplant, followed by marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layering process, ensuring final top layer consists of mozzarella and Parmesan for golden, crispy finish.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375F (190C) and bake lasagna for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and surface turns golden brown.
- Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your lasagna.
- Pat eggplant slices dry before roasting to ensure they crisp up and don’t release excess moisture during baking.
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
- Layer ingredients carefully and press down gently between layers to create a compact, cohesive lasagna that holds together beautifully when serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg