If you’re looking for an easy dinner casserole that the whole family will love, this Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole is the perfect choice. Packed with savory flavors, hearty ingredients, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. Not only is it a wholesome option for family dinners, but it’s also straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy dinner casserole combines tender pasta, savory ground meat, roasted vegetables, and a creamy egg mixture for a deliciously layered dish. It’s easy to assemble, loaded with nutrients, and versatile enough to accommodate substitutions based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning meals for family throughout the week, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to create this delicious casserole:
For the Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
For the Pasta Layer
- 8 ounces (250g) pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- A pinch of salt (for boiling)
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 18 ounces (500g) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 7 fluid ounces (200ml) tomato sauce
For the Vegetable Layer
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 eggplant, sliced into strips
- 2 sweet bell peppers, chopped
- 5 large champignon mushrooms, finely chopped
- 14 ounces (400g) canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
For the Topping
- 1 head of cheese (divided into two halves and grated)
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- A small bunch of green onions, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by cracking four eggs into a mixing bowl. Add salt, black pepper, and oregano for seasoning. Whisk until the eggs are fully combined.
Next, pour in the cream and milk, giving the mixture a luxurious richness. Add the flour and baking powder, then stir until smooth and lump-free. Set this mixture aside; it will act as the creamy binder for your casserole.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of water with a pinch of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the brand instructions or until al dente. Once done, drain the water and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped white onion until translucent. Add grated garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the ground beef mixture to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir in the tomato sauce and remove from heat.
Combine the cooked meat sauce with the drained pasta in the mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside.
4. Roast the Vegetables
In a clean frying pan, heat more olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the red onion until softened.
Add the eggplant strips, stirring to coat them in oil. Follow with the chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and canned tomatoes. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
Let the vegetables simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and the flavors meld together.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Grease a large baking dish with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Layer the casserole as follows:
- Base Layer: Spread the pasta and meat mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Vegetable Layer: Add the roasted vegetable mixture on top, spreading it evenly over the pasta.
- Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture over the vegetables, ensuring it covers the entire dish.
6. Add the Cheese Topping
Grate half the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully, forming a golden, bubbly crust.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and forming the bubbly crust we all love.
While the casserole is baking, halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the green onions. These fresh toppings will add color and flavor to the finished dish.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Cut it into approximately 12 portions for easy serving. Garnish each slice with a cherry tomato half and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Serve warm and watch your family devour this hearty, comforting meal!
Tips for Success
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out the eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms for other family favorites like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Meal prep: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it fresh.
- Double the Recipe: Feeding a larger crowd? Double the ingredients and bake in two dishes. Leftovers are just as delicious!
Why This Easy Dinner Casserole is Perfect for Family Dinners
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food for family meals. This recipe, in particular, shines because of its balance of flavors and textures. The pasta provides hearty substance, the meat sauce is savory and rich, the vegetables add freshness, and the egg mixture ties everything together with creamy goodness. Plus, it’s easy to portion and serves beautifully, making it perfect for weeknight family dinners or special occasions.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
This casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s also loaded with nutrients:
- Protein: From the eggs, meat, and cheese, this dish provides a substantial protein boost.
- Vitamins: Bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants are rich in vitamins C, K, and A.
- Fiber: The vegetables and pasta ensure a healthy dose of fiber to keep everyone satisfied.
Serving Suggestions
To complete your meal, pair this casserole with:
- A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette
- Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A light dessert like fruit sorbet or lemon bars
Final Thoughts
This Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s one of those easy dinner casseroles for family gatherings that everyone looks forward to.
So, gather your loved ones, serve up this hearty dish, and enjoy a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. And don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for your family!
Happy cooking!