Cheesy Eggplant and Ground Beef Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty keto casserole layering tender roasted eggplant with spiced ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 55 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, shredded mozzarella cheese, tomato paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay 2 medium eggplants sliced into 1/2-inch rounds on a baking sheet, brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway until tender and golden.
  2. Step 2: While eggplant roasts, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb 85% lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 more minutes until well combined.
  4. Step 4: In a baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant slices, then spread all the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over them. Top with remaining eggplant slices, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  5. Step 5: Bake uncovered at 400°F for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Eggplant and Ground Beef Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Eggplant and Ground Beef Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Eggplant and Ground Beef Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Eggplant and Ground Beef Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cheesy Eggplant and Ground Beef Casserole keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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