This delicious casserole combines the rich flavors of Braveheart Black Angus beef with tender roasted eggplant and a flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients:
1 pound Braveheart Black Angus ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Eggplant Layer:
2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layers:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Braveheart Black Angus ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked through, set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they become tender. Set aside.
In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
Place a layer of roasted eggplant slices over the sauce.
Add half of the Braveheart Black Angus burger meat mixture on top of the eggplant.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the burger meat.
Repeat the layers by adding more tomato sauce, eggplant, burger meat, and cheese.
Finish with a final layer of tomato sauce and cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Looking for more delicious beef recipes? Try Braveheart Cranberry Beef Rolls.