Cheese casserole with baked eggplant and minced meat

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Eggplant:**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by preparing the eggplant slices: arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant slices are golden brown and tender. This step will bring out the eggplant’s natural sweetness and ensure a delicious texture.

#### 2. **Cook the Minced Meat:**
While the eggplant is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, remove any excess fat from the pan.

Next, add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once the sauce is thickened and the flavors have developed, remove from heat.

#### 3. **Prepare the Cheese Layer:**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined. This mixture will create a rich, creamy cheese layer that will bake to golden perfection on top of the casserole.

#### 4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a large greased casserole dish, start by layering the roasted eggplant slices at the bottom. Next, spread the minced meat mixture over the eggplant, distributing it evenly.

Pour the cheese mixture over the meat, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire casserole. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, golden crust as it bakes.

#### 5. **Bake the Casserole:**
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. If you like your cheese extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

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### **Why This Cheese Casserole with Baked Eggplant and Minced Meat is So Special:**

– **Rich and Flavorful:** The layers of roasted eggplant and savory minced meat, combined with the creamy cheese topping, create a rich and well-balanced flavor profile. The tomato-based meat sauce brings a tangy and aromatic kick, while the cheese layer adds the perfect amount of richness.

– **Comfort Food with a Twist:** This casserole gives a classic comfort food dish a healthy twist by using eggplant as the base instead of traditional pasta. The eggplant provides a hearty, tender texture that holds up beautifully to the meaty filling and cheesy topping.

– **Perfect for a Crowd:** This casserole is easy to prepare and makes a large batch, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table, from meat lovers to vegetarians (just leave out the minced meat for a veggie version!).

– **Customizable:** You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the meat mixture, or swap the cheeses for something more flavorful like Gruyère or Gouda. You can even add a touch of spice with red pepper flakes or chili powder if you like a little heat.

– **Great for Meal Prep:** This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can even be frozen for later use. It’s perfect for meal prepping, and the flavors only improve as it sits. Simply reheat it in the oven and enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort.

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### **Tips for the Best Cheese Casserole with Baked Eggplant and Minced Meat:**

– **Salt the Eggplant:** If you find that your eggplant releases a lot of moisture during roasting, you can salt it before roasting to draw out excess water. Simply sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt, let them sit for about 15 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel before roasting.

– **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh basil or oregano will enhance the flavor of your casserole even more. Add some chopped fresh herbs to the meat mixture or sprinkle them over the finished casserole for added flavor.

– **Make It Ahead:** This casserole can easily be made a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it with foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed—no need to worry about prep time the next day!

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### **Conclusion:**

This **Cheese Casserole with Baked Eggplant and Minced Meat** is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The layers of roasted eggplant, savory minced meat, and melty cheese create a deliciously hearty dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner, a dish to serve to guests, or a meal to prep for the week, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

The combination of textures and flavors in this casserole makes it a standout dish that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why this recipe has quickly become a favorite in so many households. Enjoy every bite of this hearty, cheesy masterpiece!