Indulge your taste buds with a delightful journey to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine with our Layered Eggplant Casserole Tepsi! This mouthwatering dish combines the rich flavors of golden-brown eggplant, savory ground beef, and a luscious tomato sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this casserole is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that will leave your guests begging for seconds. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to be a showstopper at your dinner table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplants by washing and cutting them lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
- While eggplants are resting, pat the slices dry with paper towels. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
- Grease a large baking dish. Begin layering by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Create alternating layers: eggplant slices, meat mixture, and tomato sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer is eggplant.
- Pour remaining tomato sauce over the top layer and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make cutting easier.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or mint if desired. Pairs well with rice or crusty bread.
Tips
- Salting the Eggplants: Don't skip the step of salting the eggplant slices! This process helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Make sure to rinse and pat them dry before frying to avoid excess salt.
- Layering Technique: When layering the casserole, ensure that the top layer is eggplant for a beautiful presentation. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps keep the moisture locked in.
- Browning the Meat: For a deeper flavor, make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly. This caramelization adds richness to the dish, elevating the overall taste.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta or parmesan for a unique twist on the topping.
- Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and makes serving easier.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your casserole with a side of fluffy rice or warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint can also brighten up the dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 329kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 42mg
