Name: Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Today, I am going to make the Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole, a delightful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This casserole combines tender eggplant with a rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.

What is Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole?

The Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole is a savory dish featuring layers of sliced eggplant, a robust tomato sauce, melted cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Inspired by classic Italian cuisine, this casserole offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will please any palate.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals from eggplant and tomatoes.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A hearty, meat-free dish that’s perfect for vegetarians.
Versatile: Can be served as a main course or side dish.

Flavorful: Rich in flavors with a mix of herbs, cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible to all cooks.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole

Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the eggplant: Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry.

Coat the eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Cook the eggplant: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the casserole: Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the eggplant slices over the sauce. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.

Top the casserole: Sprinkle the top with any remaining breadcrumbs and cheese. Add dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
Pasta: Serve with a side of pasta for a more substantial meal.

Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, enhances the flavors.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole

Salt the Eggplant: Salting the eggplant removes bitterness and excess moisture.

Even Coating: Ensure each eggplant slice is evenly coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a consistent texture.
Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the dish’s flavor.
Quality Marinara: Use a high-quality marinara sauce or homemade for the best taste.

Don’t Overcrowd: Fry eggplant slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole

Vegan: Substitute cheese with vegan cheese and use a flax-egg mixture instead of eggs.

Meaty: Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the layers.
Spicy: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the marinara sauce.
Cheesy: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for a richer taste.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storing Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole: Best Practices

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Label: Clearly label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole: Best Practices

Oven Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Microwave Option: Heat individual servings in the microwave on medium power.
Cover for Moisture: Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
Stir Occasionally: Stir during reheating to ensure even warming.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 320
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g

Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 10g

Sodium: 640mg

FAQs

How do I prevent eggplant from becoming soggy in a casserole?

To prevent eggplant from becoming soggy in a casserole, slice the eggplant and sprinkle it with salt, then let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat the slices dry before cooking. Additionally, frying the eggplant slices until golden brown before layering them in the casserole helps maintain a firmer texture.

Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version?

For a gluten-free version of Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or finely ground nuts like almonds or pecans for a crunchy topping.

How do I reheat Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole without drying it out?

To reheat Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole without drying it out, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through about 20 minutes. For individual servings, use a microwave on medium power, covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture. Adding a splash of marinara sauce before reheating can also help keep it moist.

Final Words

The Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that brings a touch of comfort to any meal. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday dinners. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wholesome goodness of a homemade casserole!

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