Eggplant and Ground Beef Lasagna

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the eggplant slices. Top with half of the ricotta cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant slices, ground beef mixture, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Top with the mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Lasagna is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy.
• Lasagna was originally made with wide, flat sheets of pasta.
• Lasagna can be made with a variety of fillings, including meat, vegetables, and cheese.