Pin it A comforting, Italian-inspired casserole layering tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, finished with a golden Parmesan crust. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
I first made this lasagna for a Sunday family dinner, and it quickly became a requested favorite. The crispy eggplant and stretchy cheese made everyone ask for seconds!
Ingredients
- Eggplant: 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices
- Salt: 1 tablespoon, for sweating eggplant
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Ricotta cheese: 2 cups
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 3/4 cup, grated
- Pecorino Romano cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (optional)
- Marinara sauce: 4 cups (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Lasagna noodles: 9 no-boil (or regular, pre-cooked)
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sweat Eggplant:
- Lay eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Bread Eggplant:
- Dredge each slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Bake Eggplant:
- Arrange breaded eggplant on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Make Sauce:
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan and all of the Pecorino Romano (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce Oven Temperature:
- Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble Lasagna:
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles over sauce. Layer half the baked eggplant slices over noodles. Spread half of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella. Add another layer of sauce. Repeat with remaining noodles, eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella. Top with final noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more, until top is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.
Pin it The whole family gathers around for this bubbling casserole every time it's on the table. It always brings out laughs and second helpings!
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, 9x13-inch baking dish, saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (flour, breadcrumbs, lasagna noodles), eggs, milk products. Always check ingredient labels to stay safe for dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 510, Total Fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 26 g.
Pin it Serve with a crisp salad and a glass of Chianti for a true Italian-inspired meal. Enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prepare the eggplant for baking?
Slice the eggplant lengthwise, salt it to remove moisture, then bread it with flour, eggs, and Italian-style breadcrumbs before baking until golden and tender.
- → What cheeses are used in the layers?
A mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional Pecorino Romano cheeses adds creamy, melty, and sharp flavors throughout the dish.
- → Can the dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs and lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives to keep it suitable for gluten sensitivities.
- → What herbs enhance the tomato sauce?
Dried oregano and basil are simmered with garlic and onion in the marinara sauce to provide classic Italian flavor notes.
- → How long should the casserole rest after baking?
Allow 10 to 15 minutes of resting time after baking to let layers set, making slicing easier and enhancing flavor melding.