Best 3 Eggplant Sausage Casserole Recipes

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**Eggplant Sausage Casserole: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish**

Eggplant Sausage Casserole is a delectable and satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of sausage, tender eggplant, and a rich tomato sauce. This hearty casserole is perfect for a comforting family meal or a casual get-together with friends. With its layers of savory ingredients, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The addition of bell peppers and onions adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, while the Parmesan cheese topping provides a golden-brown crust. This recipe also includes variations for a vegetarian and a slow cooker version, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and cooking methods. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Eggplant Sausage Casserole is a must-try recipe that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

EGGPLANT SAUSAGE CASSEROLE



Eggplant Sausage Casserole image

If you want your kids to happily eat their eggplant, serve it in this lovely layered casserole. Our whole family enjoys it. Always a popular potluck item, it's a great company dish, as well. -Carol Mieske, Red Bluff, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
1 medium eggplant, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Set sausage aside., In the same skillet, saute eggplant and onion in oil. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, basil and paprika; simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Drain pasta; stir into eggplant mixture. Add sausage., Spread half of the sausage mixture in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spread with ricotta cheese. Top with half of the cheese and remaining sausage mixture., Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 606 calories, Fat 36g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 1066mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 31g protein.

PASTA, EGGPLANT AND SAUSAGE CASSEROLE



Pasta, Eggplant and Sausage Casserole image

Another great recipe from McCall's cooking school. I always make this for my mil. So many great flavors in one dish, YUM. Enjoy.

Provided by ChefRaylene

Categories     Penne

Time 1h50m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lbs sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium eggplant, about 1 1/2 lbs
1 large Spanish onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 teaspoons paprika
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil
salt
1 lb penne pasta
15 ounces ricotta cheese
16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Using a sharp knife, cut sausage diagonally into 1" wide pieces. In large skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 8 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently.
  • While sausage browns, cut eggplant into 1/2" cubes. Add eggplant, onon and garlic to sausage in skillet; cook 5 minutes longer until eggplant is tender; stirring frequently. Stir in paprika; cook 1 minute longer.
  • Add tomatoes, tomato paste, basil and 1 tsp salt to eggplant mixture; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, partially cover pot and simmer 35 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • Preheat oven to 350. In large saucepan, cook pasta according to package. Drain; stir into sauce.
  • Spread half of the epplant-pasta mixture in a shallow 2 1/2 qt baking dish. Top mixture with ricotta cheese, spreading the cheese evenly. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining eggplant-pasta mixture; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake on center rack for 40 minutes or until heated through. Remove from oven; let stand 10 minutes before serving.

EGGPLANT, SAUSAGE, AND ZITI CASSEROLE



EGGPLANT, SAUSAGE, AND ZITI CASSEROLE image

Categories     Pasta     Dinner

Yield 8-10 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 large eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch thick rounds
1/2 cup olive oil, plus more as needed
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole Italian tomatoes, crushed, and their juices
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
1/2 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups whole milk
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
8 ounces ziti, cooked according to package directions and drained
1 cup grated mozzarella

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish and set aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/4 cup of the oil. Add the eggplant in batches, seasoning on both sides with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, adding more oil as needed. Transfer to a plate as they cook, and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot but not smoking, add the onion and sausage, and cook, stirring, until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, their juices, the Italian seasoning, black olives, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the crushed red pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer, uncovered, until the flavors marry and the sauce slightly thickens, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the basil and adjust seasoning, to taste. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and forms a light roux, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and, whisking frequently, cook until the sauce is thickened and smooth, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with the nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste. Arrange half of the eggplant slices on the bottom of the casserole, overlapping as necessary. Top with half of the cooked pasta, then half of the sausage-tomato sauce. Place another layer of eggplant slices on top of the sauce, then layers of pasta and sausage-tomato sauce. Pour on the white sauce, then top with the grated mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 1 hour, or until puffed and golden brown on top.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, firm eggplants: Look for eggplants that are heavy for their size and have smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid eggplants that are soft or have brown spots.
  • Salt the eggplant slices: Salting the eggplant slices helps to draw out the bitter juices and prevent them from becoming soggy. Be sure to rinse the eggplant slices thoroughly after salting.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Don't overcook the casserole: The eggplant should be tender but still slightly firm. Overcooking will make the eggplant mushy.
  • Serve the casserole hot: The casserole is best served hot out of the oven. You can also make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Conclusion:

Eggplant sausage casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover eggplant. With its hearty sausage, tender eggplant, and flavorful sauce, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give eggplant sausage casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!

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