This Cheesy Baked Eggplant Casserole with ground beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender eggplant, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory ground beef, all wrapped in melted cheese and topped with golden breadcrumbs. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love. Follow this step-by-step guide to make this delicious casserole with ground beef instead of ham!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- Eggplant: 1 medium, cut into medium-thick slices
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Bell Pepper: 1/2, cut into small squares
- Cherry Tomatoes: 6, quartered
- Bread Slices: 4, soaked in milk
- Milk: 50 ml (about 1/4 cup)
- Grated Semi-Hard Cheese: 100 g (about 3.5 oz)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 80 g (about 2.8 oz)
- Ground Beef: 100 g (about 3.5 oz)
- Egg: 1 large
- Fresh Parsley: To taste, chopped
- Breadcrumbs: To taste, for binding and topping
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: For greasing and cooking
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Cut the eggplant into slices of medium thickness, making sure they are not too thin or too thick to maintain their shape during cooking. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them drain in a colander for 10-15 minutes to release excess water. Cover them with kitchen paper or a clean towel to help absorb the moisture. Once drained, pat the eggplant dry with paper towels and cut them into small squares.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a frying pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant squares and cook them with the bell pepper squares. Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook until they are tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add the quartered cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes have softened slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In the same frying pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese and Bread Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, grate the semi-hard cheese and Parmesan cheese. Soak the bread slices in the milk for a few minutes, then crumble them into the bowl with the cheeses. Add one beaten egg and the cooked ground beef, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Form the Mixture
Add the cooked eggplant, bell pepper, and tomatoes to the cheese and beef mixture in the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables and beef are well distributed throughout the mixture. Gradually add breadcrumbs, a little at a time, until the mixture has a moldable consistency that holds its shape when pressed together.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Grease a baking dish with olive oil and sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs over the bottom. Pour the prepared eggplant and beef mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs on top, which will form a crispy crust as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is firm to the touch. The breadcrumbs should create a nice, crispy crust, while the interior remains creamy and full of flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into servings. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice without falling apart. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Eggplant Casserole with Ground Beef
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to use a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for an added kick. Mixing cheeses can enhance the overall flavor and create a delightful, gooey texture.
- Perfect Crust: For an extra crispy topping, drizzle a little olive oil over the breadcrumbs before baking, or mix some grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs for a more intense flavor.
- Flavor Enhancers: Add herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil to the vegetable and beef mixture for an added depth of flavor. Fresh herbs not only enhance the taste but also add a beautiful aroma to the dish.
Nutritional Information
Servings: 4-6
Calories per Serving: Approximately 340
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 17g
Sugars: 4g
Fiber: 4g
This Cheesy Baked Eggplant Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting, versatile dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends. Its combination of tender eggplant, savory ground beef, and rich cheeses creates a satisfying, hearty dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delightful casserole!
