This pasta-less eggplant lasagna is a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic Italian dish. Layers of tender roasted eggplant, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese are baked together to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. With no pasta involved, this recipe is also gluten-free. It's a perfect option for those looking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the sliced eggplants on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to thicken.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce along the bottom.
- Place a layer of roasted eggplant slices on top of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the eggplant. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!