Description
Comfort meets elegance in this Mediterranean-inspired Eggplant Lasagna, layering rich roasted vegetables with creamy ricotta and zesty marinara. Savory, hearty flavors invite you to savor each perfectly balanced bite of this classic Italian-style comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
- 24 ounces (680 grams) Raos pasta sauce
- 1 large eggplant
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the lasagna.
- Transform eggplants into delicate 1/4 inch slices, arranging them on a baking sheet. Enhance with olive oil spray, season with salt and oregano, then roast for 15 minutes until tender and pliable.
- Develop a robust meat sauce by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Infuse with Italian seasoning and Raos Pasta Sauce, allowing flavors to meld during a 10-minute simmer.
- Craft a creamy cheese blend by combining ricotta, cottage cheese, egg, egg yolk, chopped spinach, and half the mozzarella in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Construct lasagna layers in a baking dish, alternating between meat sauce, roasted eggplant slices, and cheese mixture. Conclude the layering process by generously topping with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the assembled lasagna for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbly texture and golden-brown surface. Allow the dish to rest and set for 10 minutes before serving, ensuring clean and stable portions.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, meaty texture.
- Salt eggplant slices before baking to draw out excess moisture, preventing soggy lasagna and ensuring crisp, caramelized edges.
- Use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing creamy, delicious flavor profile.
- Prepare lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delectable meal.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg