Shelly's Recipe

BAKED EGGPLANT CASSEROLE

Category: Casseroles - Beef

1 medium-size eggplant, peeled and cut in 1-inch cubes*
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg beaten
1 1/2 cups chopped canned or fresh tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs, divided use
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup grated Cheddar or American cheese
Small amount of salt and pepper

Cook the eggplant in boiling salted water for 8 minutes; drain. Set aside.

Brown beef in a little oil. Add the browned beef, egg, tomatoes, onion and 1 cup of the bread crumbs to the eggplant.

Place the eggplant mixture in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle on the grated cheese. Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup bread crumbs that have been combined with the melted butter.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.

*Frozen eggplant may be used in the winter.

Makes 8 servings