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Ricotta Eggplant Casserole

Delicious Ricotta Eggplant Casserole Recipe to Try


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  • Author: Angela
  • Total Time: 49 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Rinse and Pat Dry: After 20 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add Ricotta Layer: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the eggplant slices, followed by a layer of marinara sauce.
  8. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. 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.
  10. 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