Today, we’re going from the traditional lasagna and heading on a veggie-packed adventure with the most amazing Eggplant Lasagna. This recipe is a feast for your taste buds and a clever way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
Join me as we turn our beloved lasagna into a wholesome and flavorful dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
Highlights:
- Transform the classic lasagna into a nutritious dish using thinly sliced roasted eggplant as a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional noodles.
- Elevate the flavors with a rich meat sauce that includes ground beef or sausage, aromatic herbs, and a splash of chicken broth for an extra layer of taste.
- Create delectable layers with a creamy ricotta mixture, thin slices of mozzarella, and generous sprinklings of parmesan, resulting in a gooey, cheesy perfection.
- The recipe’s simple assembly makes it accessible for home cooks, providing a satisfying and impressive dish for any occasion.
How to Make Eggplant Lasagna
To make Eggplant Lasagna, slice eggplants into 1/4-inch sheets, roast them with olive oil, then layer them with a flavorful meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and cheesese before baking them at 400°F for 30-35 minutes. Let it cool before slicing, and enjoy this veggie-packed twist on a classic!
More Recipes Resources:
Eggplant Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 eggplants
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or ground sausage
- 1/2 white diced onion
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Assembly
- Thin slices of mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
I'm excited to share this eggplant lasagna recipe with you, so let's dive in!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets or line them with silicone baking mats.
- Prepare Eggplant "Noodles":
- Trim off the top and bottom of the eggplants.
- Slice them into 1/4-inch thick slices to create "eggplant lasagna sheets."
- Spread the slices on the baking sheets in a single layer.
- Drizzle olive oil over the slices and season with salt and black pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or sausage.
- Add diced onion and crushed garlic. Cook until the meat is browned.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and ground nutmeg.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Lightly grease a 9x13 pan.
- Spoon about 1 cup of meat sauce into the bottom and spread it evenly.
- Arrange a layer of roasted eggplant slices.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the eggplant.
- Add a layer of thin slices of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers: meat sauce, parmesan, eggplant, ricotta, mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of meat sauce and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy your delicious Eggplant Lasagna!
FAQs
Can I freeze the eggplant lasagna?
Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated.
Can I substitute ingredients for a vegetarian version?
Skip the ground beef or sausage in the meat sauce to make a vegetarian eggplant lasagna. You can enhance the flavor by adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for a hearty, meatless option.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring that your tomato sauce, tomato paste, and any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the recipe?
Certainly! While the recipe suggests mozzarella and parmesan, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites. It’s a great way to customize the flavor to your liking.
What can I serve with eggplant lasagna?
Eggplant lasagna pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. A light vinaigrette salad or steamed broccoli can complement the richness of the lasagna.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey to create amazing Eggplant Lasagna. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser with layers of roasted eggplant, savory meat sauce, and a rich cheese mixture.
Hello! I’m Paula Deen, a mother who loves to create memories in the kitchen. As a kitchen enthusiast, I love to do experiment with different kitchenware for daily recipes. This is my blog, where I’ll share my experience, knowledge, and reviews on various kitchenware and appliances.