Description
This Layered Eggplant and Potato Bake with Mozzarella is a delicious and hearty dish that combines layers of roasted eggplant, thinly sliced potatoes, and a savory minced meat sauce, topped with mozzarella and baked to golden perfection. With aromatic spices and a flavorful meat filling, this dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner. It’s rich in flavor and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 eggplants, partially peeled and sliced into 0.8–1 cm thick slices
- Vegetable oil, as needed
- Olive oil, as needed
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (divided)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4–5 potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 450 grams (1 lb) minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
- 2 peppers, finely chopped
- 1 cup pureed tomatoes
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Some water, as needed
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) mozzarella for pizza, shredded
- Spicy ketchup, as needed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
- Partially peel the eggplants in stripes, leaving some of the skin for texture, then slice into 0.8-1 cm thick rounds.
- Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet. Brush them with vegetable oil and olive oil, and season with sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Thinly slice the potatoes and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes until tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a skillet, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the pureed tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, sugar, and a little water to adjust consistency. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once done, stir in the chopped parsley.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Layer the baked eggplant slices on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of thinly sliced baked potatoes over the eggplant.
- Spread the minced meat sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Top with shredded mozzarella for pizza and a drizzle of spicy ketchup for extra flavor.
- Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 25mins
- Cook Time: 1hr 5mins