Savory Louisiana Eggplant Bake
Experience the hearty and flavorful essence of Creole cuisine with this Savory Louisiana Eggplant Bake. This casserole layers tender, diced eggplant with sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and savory ground beef, all brought together with rich tomato puree. Topped with soft breadcrumbs and melted cheese, every bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish embodies the warmth and tradition of Southern cooking, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to indulge in classic American comfort food.
6
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (peeled and diced)
onion
1 (chopped fine)
green bell pepper
1/2 lb (seeded and chopped)
ground beef
1/2 lb (browned)
bacon drippings
3 tablespoons (melted)
tomato puree
1 cup (heated)
soft breadcrumbs
2 cups (for mixing)
grated cheese
3/4 cup (for topping)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for balancing flavors)
Instructions
1
Butter a 2-quart casserole dish and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, cover the diced eggplant with boiling salted water and let it stand for five minutes. After five minutes, drain the eggplant thoroughly and set it aside.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the bacon drippings. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until the onion is translucent, about five minutes.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown until fully cooked. Stir in the tomato puree, and heat through for another 3-4 minutes.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained eggplant with the meat mixture and add the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
6
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, cover with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7
After 30 minutes, remove the cover, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
13.33
Fat
20
Carbs
11.67
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Louisiana Eggplant Bake?
It is a hearty Creole-style casserole featuring layers of tender eggplant, ground beef, and vegetables in a savory tomato base.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this eggplant bake?
There are 250 calories per serving.
What is the primary protein used in this dish?
The primary protein used is 1/2 lb of ground beef.
How should the eggplant be prepared?
The eggplant should be peeled, diced, and then soaked in boiling salted water for five minutes before being drained.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What type of fat is used to saute the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of melted bacon drippings.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 13.33 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 11.67 grams of protein.
What vegetables besides eggplant are included?
The dish includes one finely chopped onion and 1/2 lb of seeded and chopped green bell pepper.
What kind of tomato product is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of heated tomato puree.
How many breadcrumbs are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of soft breadcrumbs for mixing.
Why is sugar added to the mixture?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the savory and acidic flavors.
How long is the initial covered baking time?
The casserole should be baked covered for 30 minutes.
What happens after the first 30 minutes of baking?
The cover is removed, and the oven temperature is increased to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a final bake.
How long is the final uncovered bake?
The final bake takes an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of grated cheese.
What seasonings are used in this bake?
The dish is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, the 2-quart casserole dish should be buttered before use.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This dish represents Creole and Southern American cuisine.
When is the ground beef added to the cooking process?
The ground beef is added to the skillet after the onion and green bell pepper have been sauteed until translucent.
How long should the onions and peppers saute?
They should be cooked for about five minutes over medium heat.
What is the preparation for the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be seeded and chopped.
Are there any dietary fiber details provided?
No, the fiber content is not specified in the nutritional information.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped fine.
Is the eggplant cooked before being put in the casserole?
Yes, it is softened in boiling water and then mixed with the meat mixture before baking.
What is the texture of the breadcrumbs used?
The recipe specifically calls for soft breadcrumbs.
Can this be considered a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.