Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna with Ground Meat Sauce
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Savor the delightful layers of this Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna, where tender slices of eggplant replace traditional pasta for a low-carb twist. Each serving is packed with a rich, savory ground meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella—perfect for both comfort food lovers and healthy eaters alike. Serve these delightful portions at your next dinner party or family gathering for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
This dish beautifully combines traditional Italian flavors with a modern low-carb approach. The use of eggplant adds both texture and nutritional value, making it a versatile option for any meal.
A Delicious Low-Carb Alternative
Eggplant has gained popularity as a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta in various dishes, especially in recipes like this lasagna. By replacing pasta sheets with layers of sliced eggplant, you not only reduce the carbohydrate content but also add a unique flavor and texture that complements the rich meat sauce and creamy cheese filling. This makes the dish suitable for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets while ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy a comforting meal.
Moreover, eggplant is full of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which contribute to overall health. It can help in maintaining a healthy weight as it is low in calories but high in volume. When prepared correctly, eggplant absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an ideal component for this lasagna. Each bite offers a delightful combination of tastes and textures, ensuring satisfaction without the guilt.
Perfect for Gatherings and Meal Prep
This Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna is perfect for gatherings, whether it's a casual family dinner or a more formal dinner party. The individual servings make it easy to manage, allowing guests to enjoy their meal without the mess of traditional lasagna. Additionally, the vibrant layers of eggplant and cheese create a visually appealing dish that will impress any crowd. You can easily adjust portion sizes, making it a flexible option for both large and small gatherings.
Beyond special occasions, this lasagna also shines as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate or even freeze it for later use. Simply assemble the layers, cover, and store it until you're ready to bake. This makes busy weeknight dinners seamless without sacrificing quality or taste. Just pop it in the oven, and in no time, you'll have a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor.
Tips for the Best Eggplant Lasagna
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious lasagna:
For the Eggplant Lasagna
- 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting the assembly.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your layered lasagna:
Prepare the Eggplant
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.
Cook the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Lasagna
In a baking dish, layer the ingredients: start with a layer of meat sauce, then eggplant, followed by the cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and topped with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delightful Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna!
Your low-carb lasagna is ready to impress!
Pro Tips
For extra flavor, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
Nutrition Information
This Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna is not only delicious but also offers a nutritious option for your meals. By using eggplant as the main ingredient, you’re introducing a low-calorie vegetable that contributes fiber and essential vitamins. The inclusion of ground meat adds protein, which is vital for muscle repair and overall body function. Additionally, with the blend of cheeses, you're getting a healthy dose of calcium to support bone health.
Serving sizes can be adjusted, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome meal without overindulging. With its balanced macros, this dish fits well into a variety of dietary needs, including those looking to maintain their weight or incorporate more vegetables into their diet.
Storage and Reheating Tips
When it comes to storing leftover Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna, be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage. When freezing, consider portioning it into individual servings for easy reheating later. This way, you can enjoy a quick, satisfying meal on busy days without the hassle of preparing from scratch.
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can cover it with foil to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. This makes for a convenient and delicious meal option that is just as good as when it was first made!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.
→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils in place of the ground meat.
Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna with Ground Meat Sauce
Savor the delightful layers of this Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna, where tender slices of eggplant replace traditional pasta for a low-carb twist. Each serving is packed with a rich, savory ground meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella—perfect for both comfort food lovers and healthy eaters alike. Serve these delightful portions at your next dinner party or family gathering for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
What You'll Need
For the Eggplant Lasagna
- 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.
In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
In a baking dish, layer the ingredients: start with a layer of meat sauce, then eggplant, followed by the cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and topped with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delightful Eggplant Layered Individual Italian Lasagna!
Extra Tips
For extra flavor, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 25g