Spaghetti Al Forno with Ground Beef

Serves 4-6

For the Eggplant:

• 1 large eggplant, cut in half, seeds removed, and cut in large dice

• ½ lemon juiced

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• olive oil

For the Ground Beef

• olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, sliced

• ¼ cup white wine

• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef

• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano, to taste

For the Pasta

• 1 quart tomato sauce

• 2 pounds spaghetti

• 2 pats butter (optional)

• 8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

• 19 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for serving

• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, divided

Method:

FOR THE EGGPLANT:

1. Place the eggplant in large non-reactive bowl. Add the lemon juice, cover with cold salted water and soak eggplant for 10 minutes.

2. Drain eggplant and place on paper towels.

3. Lightly dust cubed eggplant with flour and season with salt and pepper.

4. In a large sauté pan, heat a nice coating of oil and fry the eggplant until crisp. Remove and let drain on paper towel, taste and season if necessary.

FOR THE GROUND BEEF:

1. In a sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion and lightly cook till soft, then add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.

3. Add white wine, if using, and cook until reduced by half.

4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, season with salt, pepper, red pepper and oregano, then drain and set aside.

FOR THE PASTA:

1. In a large pot, heat the tomato sauce.

2. In a second large pot, bring salted to a boil and add pasta, stir and cook till al dente.

3. Drain pasta, leaving a little of the pasta water, and add to the tomato sauce, stir, season to taste and add butter.

4. Mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, 1/2 of the ricotta and ground beef and stir. Top with eggplant and serve.

FOR LEFTOVERS THE NEXT DAY:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat a springform pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Place the leftover pasta in a bowl, mix in the remaining ricotta and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Firmly press the pasta mixture into the prepared springform pan. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella and bake for about 45 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.