Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A delicious and hearty dish featuring tender eggplant filled with savory ground beef and spices.
This Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant recipe is a family favorite that combines the rich flavors of beef with the subtle taste of eggplant. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A comforting blend of flavors that warms the soul
- Nutritious and filling, perfect for a balanced meal
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices and herbs
A Flavorful Journey
Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is more than just a meal; it's a delightful journey of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. The tender, roasted eggplant serves as a perfect vessel for the savory ground beef filling, enhanced with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also excites your taste buds with every bite.
The combination of ground beef and eggplant is a classic that has stood the test of time. Eggplants have a unique ability to absorb flavors, making them an excellent choice for stuffing. As they roast in the oven, they become tender and sweet, complementing the hearty beef filling perfectly.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. They contain essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Coupled with ground beef, which provides protein and iron, this meal is as wholesome as it is satisfying.
By incorporating fresh vegetables and herbs into the filling, you can increase the nutritional value even further. Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or even some chopped carrots to the mixture. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add more vitamins and minerals to your meal.
Customizing Your Dish
One of the best aspects of Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative. This will maintain the dish's heartiness while reducing fat content.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs. If you prefer a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling. For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate feta cheese and fresh basil instead of mozzarella. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious stuffed eggplant.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can proceed to the cooking steps.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant.
Prepare the Eggplants
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Reserve the flesh for later use.
Cook the Filling
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, reserved eggplant flesh, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Stuff the Eggplants
Spoon the beef mixture into the hollowed-out eggplant halves. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the stuffed eggplants cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant makes for a stunning centerpiece at any dinner table. To elevate your meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance the richness of the stuffed eggplant, creating a harmonious dining experience.
For a complete meal, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a side of quinoa. These options provide additional texture and flavor, ensuring that everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied and happy. Don’t forget to garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, you're in luck! Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply place the stuffed halves in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help to retain the eggplant's texture and flavor.
You can also freeze the stuffed eggplants for longer storage. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as mentioned above.
Why It's a Family Favorite
Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is a dish that appeals to all ages, making it a family favorite. Kids love the cheesy topping and savory filling, while adults appreciate the nutritional benefits and comforting flavors. It's an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your family's diet without sacrificing taste.
Moreover, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and feed a crowd or have delicious meals ready for busy weeknights. It's a win-win for both parents and children, ensuring that everyone enjoys a nutritious and satisfying meal together.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed eggplants and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ What can I serve with stuffed eggplant?
This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.
→ Can I freeze the stuffed eggplants?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
→ What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant
A delicious and hearty dish featuring tender eggplant filled with savory ground beef and spices.
Created by: Marianne Hughes
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Reserve the flesh for later use.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, reserved eggplant flesh, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Spoon the beef mixture into the hollowed-out eggplant halves. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g