Eggplant Lasagna

Step 1

Heat the oven to 425ºF.

Step 2

Slice the eggplant lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices on two baking sheets and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and lightly golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 3 cloves of the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and the red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink. Add the crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of basil and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes until thick. Remove from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of parsley.

Step 4

Pat the eggplant dry and brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Place on the two baking sheets. Bake until the eggplant is golden brown and soft, 20 to 22 minutes.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup of parmesan, panko, 1/4 cup of parsley, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Step 6

Spray an 11-by-7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish as a base. Now build the lasagna: Start with 4 to 5 pieces of eggplant in a single layer (cut to fit if necessary), then a third of the ricotta mixture, a third of the remaining meat mixture and ¾ cup of the cheese blend. Repeat two more times, adding a layer of eggplant, ricotta mixture, meat, and cheese blend each time. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan.

Step 7

Bake until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 8

Top with the remaining parsley and basil.