Save A comforting Italian-inspired casserole layering tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, finished with a golden Parmesan crust. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
I first made this Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna for a cozy Sunday supper, and everyone raved about its creamy layers and hearty richness. It has since become a favorite comfort meal we look forward to making together.
Ingredients
- Eggplants: 2 large, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices
- Salt: 1 tablespoon, for sweating eggplant
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Ricotta cheese: 2 cups
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 3/4 cup, grated
- Pecorino Romano cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (optional)
- Marinara sauce: 4 cups, homemade or store-bought
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Lasagna noodles: 9 no-boil (or regular, pre-cooked)
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Eggplant:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Breading Eggplant:
- Dredge each slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Bake Eggplant:
- Arrange breaded eggplant on parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix Cheeses:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan and all of the Pecorino Romano (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Lasagna:
- Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles over sauce. Layer half the baked eggplant slices over noodles. Spread half of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella. Add another layer of sauce. Repeat with remaining noodles, eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella. Top with final noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more, until top is bubbly and golden.
- Finish & Serve:
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.
Save This lasagna is our go-to dish for birthdays and holidays. Everyone piles around the table for second helpings and we never have leftovers!
Serving and Pairings
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti for a balanced meal. Garlic bread makes a delicious side.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and lasagna noodles to create a gluten-free version everyone's sure to enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides 510 calories, 23 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
Save All the layers meld together for a perfect comfort food. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as delicious leftovers the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prepare the eggplant before baking?
Slice eggplant lengthwise and sprinkle with salt to draw out moisture. After resting for 30 minutes, pat dry to ensure a tender texture when baked.
- → Can I substitute the no-boil noodles with regular lasagna pasta?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked lasagna noodles instead of no-boil ones. Just ensure they are fully cooked before assembling.
- → What herbs enhance the tomato sauce’s flavor?
Dried oregano and dried basil add classic Italian notes to the marinara, complemented by sautéed garlic and onion for depth.
- → Is there a lighter way to cook the eggplant layers?
Grilling the eggplant slices instead of breading and baking them provides a lighter texture and smoky flavor.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta varieties for a safe alternative.