Eggplant Parmesan With Ground Beef, Onion and Garlic

While Western or American eggplant, the dark purple variety is readily available year round, peak season is late summer through early fall. The stores are filled with the freshest product and the prices are generally a little less than other times of the year. Slabs of eggplant hit the grill, and delicious casseroles and side dishes find their way on to the dining table. Wonderful international recipes come out and the exotic and delicious dishes from cuisines around the world are created. Among the most popular recipes to make its way out of the recipe box is eggplant Parmesan; and the numerous variations of this classic dish.

In this recipe lean ground beef is sauteed with onion and garlic until the beef is browned. The beef mixture is combined with whole tomatoes, tomato paste, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper and water. The sauce is simmered for 20 minutes to blend flavors, reduce and thicken. Meanwhile slices of eggplant are breaded and lightly fried in oil to crisp and brown. Casserole style dish is built by layering eggplant with homemade tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The dish is baked until golden brown.

Eggplant Parmesan with Ground Beef Onion and Garlic

Ingredients:

1 pound Lean Ground Beef 1/2 cup Yellow or White Onion, chopped 1 large Garlic Clove, minced 1-1/2 cup Whole Canned Tomatoes, drained but reserve juice 1 (6 ounces) can Tomato Paste 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar 2 teaspoon Dried Oregano 1 teaspoon Dried Basil 1-1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt 1/4 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper 1 cup Cold Water 2 Large Eggs 1 tablespoon Cold Water 1 large Eggplant, peeled & cut into 1/2" slices (at least 6 slices) 3/4 cup Fine, Dry Plain Bread Crumbs Peanut Oil 1 (6 ounces) package Mozzarella Cheese, thinly sliced 1-1/4 cup grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. 2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and saute the onion, until the meat has browned on all sides. 3. Drain completely. 4. Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper and water. 5. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil. 6. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 7. In a shallow bowl, combine the eggs and 1 tablespoon water. 8. Beat well. 9. Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture and coat with bread crumbs. 10. Fry in hot peanut oil until golden brown, drain on paper towels. 11. Cut each slice of Mozzarella in half. 12. Cut each half diagonally to form 2 triangles. 13. Grease a shallow 2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. 14. Layer half of each of eggplant, the meat sauce and cheese in the casserole dish. 15. Repeat the layers, omitting the cheese. 16. Add the rest of the reserved liquid. 17. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. 18. Add the remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the top of the casserole. 19. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Check out our growing collection of the best, taste-tested eggplant recipes with cooking tips and techniques. Find the classic eggplant parmesan as well as creative new ways to take an ordinary eggplant and turn it into an extraordinary dish.

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