Description
Ricotta Eggplant Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines layers of eggplant, ricotta, and marinara sauce, topped with melty cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplants into rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Rinse and Pat Dry: After 20 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Sauté the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices in batches and sauté until they are golden brown and tender, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the sautéed eggplant slices over the sauce.
- Add Ricotta Layer: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the eggplant slices, followed by a layer of marinara sauce.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it Rest: Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Letting the eggplant sit with salt helps reduce bitterness.
- Feel free to add more cheese if you prefer a cheesier dish.
- Prep Time: 19 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
