Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It combines rice, vegetables, and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian meal that suits family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a comforting and nutritious option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 eggplant, sliced in 1/2-inch rounds ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 8 ounces tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 12 ounces low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 2 ounces part-skim shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Steam eggplant slices just until tender.
- Saute chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms in vegetable oil until browned.
- Add tomato sauce, oregano, and dried basil to the sautéed vegetables, scraping up drippings.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes.
- Mix cottage cheese and skim milk in a bowl.
- In a greased baking dish, layer cooked rice, eggplant slices, cottage cheese mixture, and sauce.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the eggplant slices with salt and letting them sit for 30 minutes before cooking to draw out moisture. Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix in some ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of Mixed Vegetables or a light Tomato And Mozzarella Summer Salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal. For a heartier dish, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cheesy Eggplant Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Eggplant Casserole contains roughly 515 calories, with 14g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you don't have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese for a creamier texture or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Both alternatives will work well in this recipe, maintaining the casserole's overall consistency and richness.
Can I freeze the Cheesy Eggplant Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).