Tender roasted eggplant slices layered with rich ground meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella in personal-sized ramekins. A cozy, Italian-inspired dish with bold flavor and no pasta.
2 medium eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or pork
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups crushed tomatoes or marinara
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt, pepper, and fresh basil (optional)
Preheat oven to 400°F. Salt eggplant slices and let sit 30 minutes. Pat dry. Roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes. Set aside.
In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add meat and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and seasoning. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
In ramekins, layer sauce, eggplant, ricotta, mozzarella. Repeat. Top with sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbling. Broil for golden tops, if desired.
Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead of meat.
Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and bake before serving.
Gluten-free and low-carb friendly.