Baked Eggplant Casserole with Minced Meat

Introduction

This baked eggplant casserole is a delightful dish that combines tender eggplant slices with a flavorful meat mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that you could eat every day. Perfect for dinner, this dish is packed with delicious flavors and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 500 g (1.1 lbs) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh dill, chopped
• 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 350 per serving

Preparation Time

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Season and Bake: Lightly brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until slightly tender. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

4. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Cook Meat: Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried basil.
6. Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and tomato, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
7. Mix in Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

8. Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom. Arrange a layer of baked eggplant slices over the meat mixture. Continue layering the meat mixture and eggplant slices until all are used, ending with a layer of meat mixture.
9. Add Herbs and Cheese: Sprinkle the top with chopped parsley and dill. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

10. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

12. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this delicious and satisfying baked eggplant casserole with minced meat. It’s perfect for any meal and is sure to become a favorite in your household!