DONNA'S EGGPLANT CASSEROLE

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Donna's Eggplant Casserole image

I came up with this recipe when I wanted something that was similar to eggplant parm but something a bit more deconstructed. Eggplant Casserole has the flavor, seasonings, and cheeses without the heavy red gravy yet you don't miss it because of the diced tomatoes included in the dish. Now, it's one of my families favorites! This...

Provided by Donna Graffagnino

Categories     Casseroles

Time 3h

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 large eggplants, peeled & diced
8 Tbsp olive oil
4 can(s) (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
2 large onions, chopped
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
4 stalk(s) celery, diced
2 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 Tbsp dried basil
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 Tbsp dried chives
salt & white pepper
2 lb ground meat, pork breakfast sausage, cooked crawfish tails, or raw shrimp
4 c italian bread crumbs, toasted in skillet
3 large eggs
1+ c shredded or grated parmesan cheese
shredded parmesan, mozzarella or italian blend cheese for final topping

Steps:

  • 1. Liberally salt diced eggplant and set aside to drain for 30 minutes. Rinse well & drain.
  • 2. Saute eggplant, tomatoes, vegetables, and seasoning (first 11 ingredients) in 5 tablespoons of olive oil until it's really cooked down, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour.
  • 3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from stove, add the meat or seafood and let cool for a while.
  • 4. In a skillet heat 3 tablespoons olive oil and add breadcrumbs; stir to completely coat breadcrumbs. Continue to cook, stirring constantly until breadcrumbs get about 2 shades darker. Remove from heat.
  • 5. In a large mixing bowl add beaten eggs, and toasted bread crumbs, (See Note Below), grated cheese & seasonings. Mix well and add to eggplant mixture.
  • 6. Fill half of a large baking pan with eggplant mixture, add a layer of shredded mozzarella.
  • 7. Add another layer of eggplant mixture and top with a layer of mozzarella or provolone. (Casserole can be frozen at this point and heated later.) Any remaining mixture can be frozen for future use.
  • 8. Bake at 350* for 30-45 minutes until hot and bubbly and cheese turns golden brown. If frozen bake for 1 hour lightly covered with foil. Uncover for last 15 minutes of baking.
  • 9. *Note: Toasting the breadcrumbs is an important step and will keep the mixture from becoming gummy. Toast extra and put in Ziploc bag in freezer for later use.

Nazia Bibi
[email protected]

This casserole is a great comfort food. It's cheesy, flavorful, and filling. I love to serve it on a cold night with a side salad.


John Wainaina (Wa kiandege)
[email protected]

I've made this casserole several times and it's always a hit. It's easy to make and it's always delicious. I love the combination of eggplant, cheese, and Italian seasonings.


abdulbarMirza 09
[email protected]

This casserole is a great way to enjoy eggplant. The eggplant is tender and flavorful, and the cheese and seasonings really complement it. I highly recommend this recipe!


Mohammad Sabbir
[email protected]

I'm always looking for new and exciting recipes to try. This casserole is definitely a winner. It's unique and flavorful, and it's sure to impress your guests.


Mairaj Ali
[email protected]

This casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken or ground beef. I like to add some cooked chicken or ground beef to the casserole. It makes it even more filling and flavorful.


Chris Turner
[email protected]

I love the versatility of this casserole. You can add or subtract ingredients to suit your own taste. I like to add some chopped spinach or kale to the casserole. I also like to top it with some grated Parmesan cheese before baking.


sagar bhandari
[email protected]

This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can make it ahead of time and then reheat it when you're ready to serve. It's also a great dish to take to potlucks or picnics.


Sheikh Muneeb
[email protected]

I'm on a low-carb diet and I'm always looking for low-carb recipes. This casserole is a great option. It's low in carbs and high in protein. I like to serve it with a side of steamed vegetables.


Fatema Aktet
[email protected]

I'm a vegetarian and I'm always looking for new vegetarian recipes. This casserole is a great option. It's filling and flavorful, and it's easy to make. I like to serve it with a side salad.


Amari Brooks
[email protected]

This casserole is a great way to get your kids to eat eggplant. My kids love it! The casserole is cheesy and flavorful, and the eggplant is hidden inside, so they don't even realize they're eating it.


malak zaxoy
[email protected]

I've made this casserole several times and it's always a hit. My family and friends love it. The casserole is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. I like to add a little bit of heat with some red pepper flakes.


Md Mahadi Hasan
[email protected]

I made this casserole for a potluck dinner and it was a big hit! Everyone loved it. The casserole is easy to make and can be made ahead of time, which is a big plus.


Edgar Rosales
[email protected]

This casserole is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's worth the effort. The eggplant takes a while to cook, but it's worth it for the final result. The casserole is rich and flavorful, and it's sure to impress your guests.


Oduntan Victor
[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but I decided to give this recipe a try. I'm glad I did! The eggplant was surprisingly delicious in this casserole. The cheese and seasonings really helped to balance out the flavor of the eggplant.


Brayde__thedino
[email protected]

This casserole is a great way to use up leftover eggplant. I had some eggplant that was starting to go bad, so I decided to try this recipe. I'm so glad I did! The casserole turned out great and my family loved it.


Balat Nache
[email protected]

I made this casserole for my family last night and it was a hit! The eggplant was tender and flavorful, and the cheese and seasonings were just right. I will definitely be making this again.


Hori Das
[email protected]

Donna's Eggplant Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of eggplant, cheese, and Italian seasonings. The casserole is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. I highly recommend it!