Savory Beef and Eggplant Bake: A Delicious Twist!

Ingredients

• Spray for cooking
• 1 peeled medium eggplant, sliced into rounds of 1/4 inch
• A pinch of salt, or more if desired
• 1 cup cornmeal
• Half a cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon each of paprika, cinnamon, and ground ginger
• A quarter cup of vegetable oil
• A pound of ground beef
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 sliced medium sweet onion
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• A can of diced tomatoes (15 ounces)
• A cup of shredded Cheddar cheese
• Half a cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• A cup of shredded Parmesan cheese

Step 1

To begin, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lovingly spritz an 8-inch square glass pan with a touch of cooking spray.

Step 2

Gently lay out slices of eggplant on a soft bed of paper towels, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and cover them with another layer of towels to let them relax and release some moisture for about 30 to 45 minutes. Give them a gentle press to squeeze out excess liquid.

Step 3

In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, paprika, cinnamon, and a hint of ginger to create a flavorful dredging blend. Carefully coat each eggplant slice in this delightful mixture.

Step 4

Warm up a bit of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the coated eggplant slices in the pan, letting them sizzle until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. The goal is to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the centers tender. Once done, set them aside with care.

Step 5

In the same skillet, now sizzling with flavor, cook and crumble the ground beef until it transforms into a savory masterpiece, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add in some garlic, onion, a touch of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking until the onions turn soft and translucent, adding a cozy touch to the dish. Once cooked to perfection, set this savory mixture aside.

Step 6

Now, let's assemble this culinary symphony! Start by creating a base layer with the eggplant slices in the prepared pan, followed by a generous sprinkle of the savory ground beef mixture, half a can of diced tomatoes, and a harmonious blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat these layers, ensuring to start with the eggplant slices each time. Any remaining eggplant slices can be gently coated in Parmesan cheese and placed on top of this delightful casserole.

Step 7

Finally, let this masterpiece bake in the preheated oven until the cheeses melt into a creamy embrace, the top turns a delicious golden brown, and the aroma fills your kitchen with anticipation, typically around 35 to 40 minutes. Enjoy the creation and savor each flavorful bite!