❗I got this casserole recipe from my friend in France!🔝My family asks me to cook it every day!

❗I got this casserole recipe from my friend in France!🔝My family asks me to cook it every day! is a medium Italian recipe that serves 12. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Delicious and simple meals on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 29 min | Total: 2 hrs 19 min

Cost: $21.25 total, $1.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons Salt (for seasoning the entire dish)
  • 2 teaspoons Black Pepper (ground)
  • 3 teaspoons Dried Oregano (divided between egg mixture and meat/veg seasoning)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
  • 1 cup Milk (whole milk)
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
  • 8 ounces Pasta (penne, rigatoni or similar)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, divided for sautéing and greasing)
  • 1 medium White Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (grated)
  • 18 ounces Ground Pork and Beef (50/50 mix, fresh)
  • 7 fluid ounces Tomato Sauce (smooth, no added herbs)
  • 200 grams Cheese (hard cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar, grated)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 large Eggplant (cut into rings then strips)
  • 2 pieces Sweet Bell Peppers (any color, chopped)
  • 5 large Champignon Mushrooms (finely chopped)
  • 14 ounces Canned Chopped Tomatoes (drained if excess liquid)
  • 6 pieces Cherry Tomatoes (halved for garnish)
  • 1 small bunch Green Onions (finely chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Egg Mixture

    Break the 4 eggs into a mixing bowl, add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Whisk until fully combined.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Cream, Milk, Flour, and Baking Powder

    Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 0.5 cup sifted flour, and 1 tbsp baking powder. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Boil Pasta

    Fill a saucepan with water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then add 8 oz pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 100°C

  4. Sauté White Onion

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white onion and sauté until translucent.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Add Garlic

    Stir in the grated garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Cook Ground Meat

    Add the 18 oz ground pork‑beef mixture to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes until browned and cooked through.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Season Meat

    Season the cooked meat with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp oregano. Mix well and remove the pan from heat.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Combine Pasta, Meat, and Sauce

    In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, seasoned meat, 7 fl oz tomato sauce, and half of the grated cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish with a little olive oil. Pour the pasta‑meat mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Prepare and Simmer Vegetables

    In another frying pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the coarsely chopped red onion until soft (3 min). Add eggplant strips, cook 5 min. Add chopped sweet peppers, cook 3 min. Add chopped mushrooms, cook 3 min. Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes, season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp oregano. Simmer the vegetable mixture for 10 minutes until tender.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: medium heat

  11. Layer Vegetables

    Evenly spread the cooked vegetable mixture over the pasta‑meat layer in the baking dish.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Add Egg Custard

    Pour the prepared egg‑cream batter over the layered vegetables, allowing it to flow and coat everything.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Top with Remaining Cheese

    Generously sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the casserole.

    Time: PT1M

  14. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 360°F

  15. Bake Casserole

    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 360°F

  16. Prepare Garnish

    While the casserole bakes, halve the cherry tomatoes.

    Time: PT5M

  17. Finish and Serve

    Remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then place a cherry‑tomato half on each of the 12 servings and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
14g
Carbohydrates
18g
Fat
26g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Gluten, High protein

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Cheese

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

❗I got this casserole recipe from my friend in France!🔝My family asks me to cook it every day!

Recipe by Delicious and simple meals

A hearty Italian‑style baked casserole featuring pasta, a savory pork‑beef blend, tender eggplant, colorful vegetables, and a rich egg‑cream custard, finished with melted cheese and fresh cherry tomato garnish.

MediumItalianServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
33m
Prep
1h 28m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$21.25
Total cost
$1.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving a smooth egg‑cream batter
  • Cooking the ground meat until fully browned
  • Simmering the vegetable mixture until tender
  • Baking until the top is golden and the custard is set

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish.
  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole in Italian cuisine?

A

While not a traditional regional classic, baked pasta casseroles like this reflect Italy’s comfort‑food tradition of combining leftover pasta, meat, and seasonal vegetables into a hearty, family‑style dish, especially popular in southern regions where eggplant is abundant.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of eggplant‑based casseroles in Italian cuisine?

A

In Sicily, eggplant is often layered with ricotta and tomato sauce (Parmigiana). In Campania, baked pasta dishes may include mozzarella and a meat ragù. This recipe blends those ideas by adding a pork‑beef ragù and a creamy egg custard.

cultural
Q

How is Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served hot from the oven, cut into squares, and accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread. A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil are common finishing touches.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole traditionally enjoyed in Italian culture?

A

Baked casseroles are popular for family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive occasions such as holidays or birthdays, where a make‑ahead dish can feed a crowd without much last‑minute effort.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for an Italian‑style Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil, fresh eggplant, a blend of pork and beef, Italian oregano, and a good melting cheese like mozzarella or provolone. Substitutes can be ground turkey for meat, zucchini for eggplant, or a cheese blend if mozzarella is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole?

A

Serve it alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic focaccia, or a simple antipasto platter of cured meats and olives to balance the richness of the casserole.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pasta (it should stay al dente), not browning the meat enough, and adding too much liquid from the canned tomatoes, which can make the casserole soggy. Also, under‑whisking the egg mixture can lead to a grainy custard.

technical
Q

Why does this Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole recipe use an egg‑cream custard instead of a traditional cheese sauce?

A

The egg‑cream custard creates a light, fluffy binding layer that keeps the casserole moist without overwhelming the flavors, while still providing richness. It also sets a firm sliceable texture that a cheese‑only sauce often lacks.

technical
Q

Can I make Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to step 13, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3‑4 days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Eggplant and Minced Meat Casserole is done cooking?

A

The top should be golden‑brown and bubbly, the cheese melted and slightly crisp. The custard underneath should be set – a gentle jiggle in the center is fine, but it should not be runny.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Delicious and simple meals specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Delicious and simple meals focuses on easy‑to‑follow, budget‑friendly home cooking recipes that emphasize fresh ingredients, straightforward techniques, and meals suitable for busy families.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Delicious and simple meals' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Delicious and simple meals presents Italian dishes with a modern, quick‑prep mindset, often simplifying classic techniques while still honoring authentic flavors, whereas many traditional Italian channels may focus on elaborate, time‑intensive preparations.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

How to Make Ciambotta: The Italian Stew My Family Asks Me to Make Every Single Week
7

How to Make Ciambotta: The Italian Stew My Family Asks Me to Make Every Single Week

A rustic, one‑pot Italian vegetable stew from the Abruzzo region, inspired by traditional family recipes. Small cubes of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, potatoes, celery and tomatoes are sautéed, simmered and finished in the oven for a comforting, vegan‑friendly dish that pairs perfectly with crusty bread.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$32
Italian
The Only Beef Recipe My Family Asks For Every Week! So Tender You Can Eat It With A Spoon.
6

The Only Beef Recipe My Family Asks For Every Week! So Tender You Can Eat It With A Spoon.

A classic Piedmontese comfort dish featuring tender braised beef cheeks cooked slowly in bold red wine, served over creamy butter‑and‑pecorino mashed potatoes with rustic braised vegetables.

6 hrs 15 minServes 5$31
Italian
HEALTHY Frugal & Family Friendly Winter Soups
22

HEALTHY Frugal & Family Friendly Winter Soups

A quick, budget‑friendly broccoli cheese soup that can be made on the stovetop in about 20 minutes (or in a crock‑pot all day). Perfect for chilly winter evenings, this comforting soup is packed with broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a silky milk‑based broth.

35 minServes 4$8
American
My Family Asks for This Pasta Every Weekend! So Easy and Incredibly Delicious!
15

My Family Asks for This Pasta Every Weekend! So Easy and Incredibly Delicious!

A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring ground beef simmered in a rich tomato‑cream sauce, tossed with shell‑shaped conchiglie and finished with fresh basil and Parmesan. Perfect for weeknight meals.

50 minServes 4$29
Italian
EASY CHEESY KETO CASSEROLE TO FEED YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY!
7

EASY CHEESY KETO CASSEROLE TO FEED YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY!

A quick, creamy, and cheesy keto-friendly casserole packed with ground beef, spicy pork sausage, broccoli, and plenty of cheese. Perfect for a low‑carb dinner and ready in under an hour.

1 hr 21 minServes 6$16
American
Easy Keto Sheet Pan Pancakes (Fluffy, Low-Carb & Family-Friendly Recipe!)
10

Easy Keto Sheet Pan Pancakes (Fluffy, Low-Carb & Family-Friendly Recipe!)

A low‑carb, high‑fat keto breakfast that can be made in a single sheet pan, baked, and sliced into squares for a whole week of ready‑to‑heat pancakes. Perfect for busy mornings or meal‑prep enthusiasts.

46 minServes 8$11
American