When it comes to comfort, nothing compares to how Mom-Makes-It. This eggplant lasagna is my Mom’s classic recipe, only, to keep it low-carb, I swap thinly sliced eggplant for the noodles. This adds flavor and extra nutrition–every bit as decadent as a standard version, while still feeling virtuous.
Still have eggplant on the mind? My roasted eggplant and eggplant pizza are excellent veggie-forward options.
There are layers to this lasagna. Delicious layers. And the ways it can be enjoyed are just as layered. It’s 100% a comfort recipe for me, and when it’s just us, the leftovers are an ideal candidate to freeze for later. Alternatively, this is a great dish to serve a crowd. It’s filling enough to be dinner on its own, or for a larger crowd, serve with your favorite salad—a classic caesar is perfect here—or a simple side.
When I need easy, cheesy comfort, this is what I make. You can also make it meatless. Or add even more veg, either in place of meat or just in favor of more vegetables (OR to take advantage of the ingredients in your fridge!) When I do stray from the original eggplant lasagna recipe, I love a spinach and mushroom combination.
So whether you follow the recipe exactly, or make it your own, it’s gonna be So. Good. Like… How Mom Makes It. Hope you enjoy! 👵❤️ – Linds x
Is Eggplant Lasagna Keto? Low Carb?
This recipe is an excellent keto lasagna option for those on a low carb eating plan–by simply swapping the noodles for a low carb vegetable, you save loads of carbs without sacrificing any flavor. Psst–If you’re in the market for more keto lasagna recipes, check out my keto lasagna soup.
What’s in This Eggplant Lasagna
Your standard lasagna ingredients with a veggie twist. Here’w what to grab and a few suggestions:
- The noodles – Be sure to grab small/firm eggplant, as the larger/softer ones can have a bitter taste.
- The meat – We’ll use Italian sausage with the casings removed. You can use sweet or spicy, whatever you prefer. Or, make vegetarian eggplant lasagna by skipping the meat.
- The veggies – Onion + garlic cloves. You can also add in your faves, just be sure to saute first, so they release their liquids.
- The sauce – If eating low carb, be sure to check labels and opt for a sugar free spaghetti sauce–store-bought tomato/marinara sauces are often loaded with added sugar.
- The cheese layer – Oregano, ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, + mozzarella cheese.
Substitutions + Tweaks
Every family has their favorite way to make lasagna, so now’s your chance to try your variation with eggplant noodles instead.
- Swap the noodles – A few veggie based alternatives include zucchini lasagna, made of zucchini noodles, cabbage, cauliflower, or even butternut squash noodles.
- Change the sauce – use your favorite variation here. Try different herbs, veggies, etc.
- Up the protein – I often do this for a more balanced dish by adding an extra pound of meat.
How to Make Eggplant Lasagna
Truly, not much to this eggplant lasagna recipe. Here are some step-by-step photos to guide you along the way:
Prep your noodles by slicing + baking the eggplant until soft. Just as we do when making cauliflower lasagna, it’s important to cook the veggie first so it releases the bulk of its liquid.
Make the red sauce by cooking the sausage and setting aside. Then saute the onion and garlic. Add everything back to the pan and give it a good stir.
Make the cheese sauce by combining all ingredients together in a bowl.
Layer everything together, starting with the red sauce, followed by the eggplant, then the cheese combo. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese. Bake lasagna in the oven.
Psst–when making my spaghetti squash lasagna, I skip the layers and mix the red and white sauce together. It’s a less beautiful option that’s great if you’re short on time.
Can You Freeze Eggplant Lasagna?
YES! Slice your eggplant lasagna into individual servings and toss each inside a resealable bag, then into your freezer. Heat it up in the microwave whenever a craving strikes.
Why is My Eggplant Lasagna Watery?
Eggplant is full of water. A quick roast in the oven before adding it to the baking dish allows the excess moisture to release and prevents the sauce from getting watery. If your eggplant lasagna is watery the eggplant may not have baked long enough.
You can always try other veggie lasagna like cabbage lasagna, these noodles are easier to cook the liquid out.
More Pasta Substitutes
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash
- Shirataki Noodles
- Shrimp Carbonara
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Eggplant Lasagna
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Noodles:
- 2 Eggplants
- Avocado or vegetable oil
Filling:
- 2 Pounds Italian Sausage casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Yellow Onion chopped finely
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 – 24 Ounce Jars of Spaghetti Sauce opt for sugar free for low carb
- 2 Teaspoons Oregano dried
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 32 Ounces Ricotta Cheese
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 Cups Parmesan Cheese
- 4 Cups Mozzarella Shredded divided
- 1 Cup Fresh Basil chopped
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat oven to 375 F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
- Eggplant noodles. Cut off the ends of the eggplant, and use a veggie peeler to remove the skin. Cut lengthwise into 1/2" thick slices. Place eggplant on prepared baking sheets and spray with cooking spray (or brush with oil) on both sides. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until softened.
- Meat. Meanwhile, cook Italian sausage (2 pounds) in a large pan until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with the back of a wooden spoon as it cooks. Place cooked meat on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Carefully remove excess fat from the pan using tongs and a paper towel.
- Saute. Add olive oil. Once shimmering, add yellow onion (1) and saute until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic (4 cloves) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove pan from heat, and stir in the pasta sauce (2, 24-ounce jars) and meat. Set aside.
- Cheese sauce. In a large bowl, combine the oregano (2 teaspoons), fresh basil (1 cup), salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), ricotta cheese (32 ounces) , large egg (1), parmesan (2 cups) and 2 cups of mozzarella (saving half for the topping).
- Assemble. Spread 1/3 of the red sauce along the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Followed by half of the eggplant, and half the cheese sauce. Repeat until you've used all the ingredients — your last layer should be the red sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella on top.
- Bake. Place casserole dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and into the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Your lasagna is done once the top is golden brown. Allow lasagna to cool slightly before slicing and serving, and enjoy!
Cravings satisfied! Thanks for this recipe!
Thank you Jas! It’s my FAV! 🙂
This looks amazing! Love recipes that use alternatives for pasta!
Hope you give it a try Vicky😁
Wow, the flavor combo of eggplant and Italian sausage in this lasagna is so delicious! Will definitely be making this again!
Glad you liked it Emily🤩
LOVE this recipe! Totally satisfied all of my cravings and kept me feeling healthy. YUM!
Thanks Angela! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!😃
This sounds unique to me! I love how a simple eggplant can turn into a beautiful dish like this eggplant lasagna! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Hope you enjoy!😁
Wow! This looks so tasty and so delicious! So excited to give this a try!
Hope you enjoy it Beth!🥰
This Eggplant Lasagna is seriously making me hungry!
Can’t agree with you more!
Oh my goodness! This was the perfect dinner! Thank you for the recipe!
You’re very much welcome, Allyson! Enjoy!
Who doesn’t love lasagna?! I love that this eggplant version is healthier!
Right?! Enjoy!
I’ve made this eggplant lasagna and now it’s our favorite eggplant dish!
Yahoo! SO glad you loved it, Catalina!
I never think to use eggplant! This sounds so good and I love the lower carbs.
Sounds amazing, right? Hope you enjoy, Dorothy!
This looks fantastic! I love this so much!
Yahoo! SO glad you loved this!
Big fan of lasagna. Love that it’s low carb!
Yay! Hope you enjoy, Erik!
This was beyond delicious. I like it better than the traditional version with noodles.
SO glad you like it, Krystle!