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.
This recipe brings back memories of my grandmother's kitchen, where the aroma of baking eggplant parmesan filled the house.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants: sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon salt: (for sweating eggplant)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour:
- 2 large eggs: beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese:
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese:
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese: (optional)
- 4 cups marinara sauce: (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil:
- 3 cloves garlic: minced
- 1 small onion: finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil:
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles: (or regular, pre-cooked)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: chopped (for garnish)
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the eggplant:
- 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.
- Bread the eggplant:
- Dredge each slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Bake the eggplant:
- Arrange breaded eggplant on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Prepare the sauce:
- Meanwhile, 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.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan and all of the Pecorino Romano (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce oven temperature:
- Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Assemble the lasagna 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 the lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more, until top is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.
Save Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
This meal brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
Required Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
- Contains: Wheat (flour, breadcrumbs, lasagna noodles), Eggs, Milk (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano).
- Double-check cheese and sauce labels for allergens if using pre-made products.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 510
- Total Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 26 g
Save Serve this satisfying Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna warm, and watch it become a new family favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent eggplant from becoming soggy?
Salting and resting the slices draws out excess moisture. Baking with breadcrumbs helps achieve crispness.
- → Can I substitute other cheeses?
Yes, blend extra mozzarella or try other Italian varieties like provolone or fontina, though flavors may vary.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and noodles for a gluten-friendly adaptation; assembly instructions remain the same.
- → Do I need to peel the eggplant?
Peeling is optional. The skin adds texture and nutrients but can be removed if preferred for a smoother bite.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Try a light-bodied Italian red, such as Chianti, to balance the richness and complement the tomato sauce flavors.
- → Can I make this in advance?
Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving. The flavors meld nicely, but add final basil garnish fresh.