Homestyle Eggplant Casserole

Dad's Home-style Eggplant Casserole is a timeless recipe that has been passed on from generation to generation. Simple ingredients... homestyle flavor... comfort food 101. 

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RECIPE:

Homestyle Eggplant Casserole

Directions:

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil.

Step 2: Cut eggplants into ½ inch rounds; lay them side by side over cutting board; sprinkle generously over both sides with sea salt and let it rest for 30 minutes; pat dry on both sides.

Step 3: In a large skillet or pan, fry ground beef in 2 tbsp olive oil till browned (Daddy's special olive oil touch works like a charm!).

Step 4: Add onion, bell pepper, celery and parsley; sauté till translucent; add tomato paste, parsley and water; simmer for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Spread eggplant slices over prepared sheet pan; drizzle with olive oil (about 1/4 cup) over both sides; bake in pre-heated oven till both sides are slightly brown and eggplant is soft (about 20-25 min).

Step 6: In a casserole dish layer spreading the meat sauce first then the roasted eggplant slices; repeat layers ending with meat sauce; cover with foil and bake in pre-heated oven for another 30 minutes or till bubbling. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 medium eggplants

1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

Sea salt, to taste

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 large celery stalk, finely chopped

Ground black pepper, to taste

½ bunch parsley, chopped

1 can tomato paste

2 cups water

1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

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