Savory Italian Eggplant Casserole
This Savory Italian Eggplant Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that showcases the rich flavors of ground beef, tender eggplant, and creamy mushroom soup. Surprisingly, the eggplant integrates beautifully into the dish, almost unnoticeable in taste but adds delicious texture and nutrition. This hearty casserole is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, offering a meal that is sure to satisfy even those who claim not to like eggplant. With layers of savory goodness and melted mozzarella cheese on top, every bite is a celebration of Italian comfort food.
8
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1-2 (peeled and cubed)
Uncooked rice
1/2 cup (rinsed)
Ground beef
1 lb (raw)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic clove
1 ( minced)
Bell pepper
1/4 (chopped)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can (ready to use)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Peel and cube the eggplant, then cover it with water in a pot. Boil until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3
Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water. In a separate saucepan, combine the rice with 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Set aside.
4
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
5
Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the cooked eggplant, rice, and cream of mushroom soup into the meat mixture. Mix well and cook over low heat until the soup is warm, about 5 minutes.
6
In a greased 9x13 casserole dish, spoon half of the mixture into the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Layer the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Italian Eggplant Casserole?
It is a comforting Italian dish made with ground beef, tender eggplant, rice, and creamy mushroom soup, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are eggplant, uncooked rice, ground beef, onion, garlic, bell pepper, cream of mushroom soup, and mozzarella cheese.
Does the eggplant taste strong in this dish?
No, the eggplant integrates beautifully and is almost unnoticeable in taste, though it adds a delicious texture and nutrition.
How do I prepare the eggplant?
Peel and cube the eggplant, then boil it in water for 10-15 minutes until tender before draining.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to cook the rice for this casserole?
The rice should be simmered with water and salt for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch greased casserole dish is recommended.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 22.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
Are there carbohydrates in this recipe?
Yes, there are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Shredded mozzarella cheese is used for both the middle layer and the top.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Yes, the instructions specify rinsing the uncooked rice under cold water before cooking.
How much garlic is included?
One minced garlic clove is used in the recipe.
What size can of cream of mushroom soup is needed?
You will need one 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
How much bell pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 of a bell pepper, chopped.
Should I drain the grease from the meat?
Yes, the instructions state to drain any excess grease from the skillet after browning the beef and vegetables.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
How much uncooked rice is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of uncooked rice.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How is the casserole layered?
Spoon half of the meat and vegetable mixture into the dish, sprinkle half the cheese, then repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving for the best experience.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, eggplant, Italian, beef, comfort food, cheesy, vegetable, bake, and easy recipe.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used to cook the rice, and you can add more to taste.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under 'Meat'.
How long do you cook the meat and vegetable mixture before adding it to the dish?
After browning the beef, cook with vegetables for 5 minutes, then stir in the eggplant, rice, and soup and warm for another 5 minutes.