Ultimate Cheesy Low-Carb Eggplant Parmesan Bake
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Ultimate Cheesy Low-Carb Eggplant Parmesan Bake, a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish. Perfectly seasoned eggplant slices are breaded with a crispy Parmesan coating, then layered with savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and a rich marinara sauce. Topping it all off is a gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese, creating a culinary masterpiece that's both delicious and low in carbs. Whether you're following a specific diet or just looking to explore healthier options, this comforting dish is sure to please everyone at the table. For an added burst of freshness, consider incorporating fresh basil or slices of zucchini between layers for extra texture and flavor!
8
Servings
275
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 (sliced into 1/2 inch rounds)
Spaghetti sauce
26 ounces (your favorite jarred sauce)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Low-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups (smooth and creamy)
Ground hamburger
1 lb (browned in a skillet)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
Eggs
1-2 (beaten)
Italian spices
to taste (your choice of dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme))
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray two cookie sheets with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with your preferred Italian spices, along with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Slice the eggplants into 1/2 inch rounds. Dip each slice first in the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, then coat it in the Parmesan cheese mixture. Arrange the coated eggplant slices on the prepared cookie sheets.
4
Bake the eggplant slices in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking for even browning.
5
While the eggplant is baking, brown the ground hamburger in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary and set aside.
6
Once the eggplant is baked, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
7
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange half of the eggplant slices in a single layer over the sauce.
8
Top the eggplant layer with about half of the remaining spaghetti sauce, followed by an even layer of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle the browned hamburger over the ricotta layer.
9
Layer the remaining eggplant slices on top of the hamburger, then cover everything with the rest of the spaghetti sauce. Finish with an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
10
Bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Ultimate Cheesy Low-Carb Eggplant Parmesan Bake!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this eggplant dish?
The dish is called the Ultimate Cheesy Low-Carb Eggplant Parmesan Bake.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be low-carb, containing only 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many servings does this eggplant bake provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 275 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 22.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has 15g of fat.
How many eggplants are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 eggplants.
How should the eggplants be sliced?
The eggplants should be sliced into 1/2 inch rounds.
What is used to coat the eggplant slices?
The slices are coated in beaten eggs and then a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and Italian spices.
At what temperature should the eggplant slices be pre-baked?
The eggplant slices should be baked at 425°F (220°C).
How long do the eggplant slices bake for initially?
They should bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What kind of meat is included in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1 lb of ground hamburger.
How do I prepare the ground hamburger?
The ground hamburger should be browned in a skillet over medium heat and drained of excess fat.
What type of ricotta cheese is recommended?
Low-fat ricotta cheese is used, with 2 cups required for the recipe.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What size baking dish is required for the final bake?
A 9x13 inch baking dish should be used.
What is the oven temperature for the final casserole bake?
The final bake occurs at 350°F (175°C).
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should the dish rest before serving?
Yes, allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is tagged as gluten-free as it uses Parmesan cheese instead of breadcrumbs for the coating.
What spices are suggested for the Parmesan mixture?
You can use Italian spices such as oregano, basil, and thyme.
How many eggs are used for breading?
The recipe uses 1-2 beaten eggs.
Can I add extra vegetables to the layers?
Yes, you can incorporate fresh basil or slices of zucchini between layers for extra texture.
What is the first layer placed in the baking dish?
A thin layer of spaghetti sauce is spread on the bottom of the dish first.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed in total?
The recipe requires 26 ounces of your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground hamburger to make it a vegetarian eggplant parmesan.
What is the main category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Cheese dishes.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed.
What gives the eggplant its crispy coating without breadcrumbs?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used to create a crispy coating while keeping the dish low-carb.