Cheesy Eggplant & Orzo Casserole
By á-70
Cheesy eggplant with orzo casserole is a perfect weeknight night. You can make it ahead and redhead in the oven. Feel free to substitute quinoa, rice, brown rice, or even another grain, like faro for the orzo.
- 30 mins
- 50 mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked orzo (about 1 cup uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large eggplant, cubed (you can peel your eggplant, if you prefer)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (25 ounce) jar of Arrabiata Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parsley, minced
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375º. Lightly coat a 8 x 8 casserole pan with cooking spray.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. When warm, add onion and red pepper. Sauté 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms to the pan, sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Add eggplant, and sauté for 7-10 minutes, or until all veggies have softened. Add garlic to the pan, sauté for 30 seconds.
In a separate non-stick pan, toast cooked orzo with crushed red pepper, pepper, and salt for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
Remove eggplant mixture from heat. Add Arrabiata sauce, orzo, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Toss to combine.
Distribute a thin layer of vegetable mixture into casserole pan. Top with some mozzarella and a little parmesan. Repeat process until you have 3 layers. Evenly spread any remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top of the casserole. Bake, uncovered, in oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbly.
Remove from oven, and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Top with parsley. Serve immediately.
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