Slice eggplant into ¼" slices. Cover with salt and strain for 30 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towels. Brush or spray them with olive oil.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Place eggplant slices on a parchment paper lined pan (2 pans may be needed), season with oregano, and bake for 30 minutes, flipping after 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F for the lasagna.
In a skillet, brown ground beef with Italian seasoning. Drain and then add 2 cups of pasta sauce with 1 cup of water. Simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened.
Combine ricotta, cottage cheese, egg and egg yolk, and the squeezed spinach in a bowl. Set aside.
Assembly
Place ½ cup tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Place ⅓ of the eggplant slices over the tomato sauce. Layer ½ cheese mixture, ½ meat mixture.
Repeat layering with ⅓ eggplant, cheese mixture, meat mixture, and eggplant. Cover with mozzarella cheese.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake uncovered an additional 15 minutes or until browned and bubbly. Cool 15 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Line the baking dish with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
Use a mandolin to slice the eggplant into exact widths to deliver a consistent cook time.
For a delicious topping, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of cook time.
Allow eggplant lasagna to cool for 15 minutes before slicing so everything has a chance to firm up.