Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Deliciously seasoned ground beef stuffed into tender eggplant halves, baked to perfection.
This Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The eggplant serves as a perfect vessel for savory ground beef, herbs, and spices, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying with every bite
- Nutritious and packed with flavor
- A perfect dish for family dinners or meal prep
A Flavorful Fusion
The combination of ground beef and eggplant creates a delightful fusion of flavors in this dish. The savory, well-seasoned beef pairs beautifully with the tender, slightly sweet eggplant, resulting in a hearty meal that satisfies the taste buds. Each bite offers a robust flavor profile that is enhanced by aromatic herbs like oregano and basil.
Adding diced tomatoes to the filling not only boosts the flavor but also adds moisture, ensuring that the stuffing remains juicy and tender. This dish showcases how versatile eggplant can be, serving as an excellent vessel for a protein-packed filling.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is an ideal choice for meal prep enthusiasts. You can easily prepare a batch at the beginning of the week, storing them in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave, and you have a wholesome meal ready in minutes.
Moreover, this recipe is flexible. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or different cheeses. This adaptability allows you to keep your meals exciting while still enjoying the same beloved base recipe.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you're hosting a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. The vibrant presentation of stuffed eggplant halves topped with melted mozzarella cheese is visually appealing and enticing. Plus, it's a great way to introduce more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor.
Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is not just a meal; it's a conversation starter. Guests will appreciate the effort you put into this dish, and many will be eager to ask for the recipe. It's a wonderful opportunity to share your love for cooking and inspire others to try their hand at preparing this delightful dish.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for drizzling
Once you have all the ingredients, you are ready to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your 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 a 1/2-inch shell. Dice the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
Cook the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the diced eggplant flesh, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
Stuff the Eggplants
Spoon the beef mixture into the hollowed eggplant halves. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake
Drizzle with olive oil and cover the baking dish with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed eggplants!
Nutritional Benefits
Eggplant is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It is also packed with antioxidants, which can contribute to overall health and wellness. When combined with lean ground beef, this dish becomes a balanced meal that offers protein, vitamins, and minerals in every serving.
Incorporating vegetables into your meals is essential for a balanced diet, and this recipe does just that. The eggplant not only provides essential nutrients but also adds volume to the dish, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving your Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette or a simple lemon dressing can complement the flavors of the stuffed eggplant beautifully. This adds freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall dining experience.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the flavors even further. Additionally, a dollop of yogurt or a creamy sauce can provide a cooling contrast to the rich flavors of the beef and cheese.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover stuffed eggplant, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven for the best texture, or use a microwave for a quicker option. Just be sure to cover them to maintain moisture.
You can also freeze the stuffed eggplants for longer storage. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready at a moment's notice.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of lentils and vegetables.
→ Can I prepare stuffed eggplants ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the eggplants and refrigerate them before baking.
→ What can I serve with stuffed eggplants?
They pair well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant
Deliciously seasoned ground beef stuffed into tender eggplant halves, baked to perfection.
Created by: Hallie Foster
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, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for drizzling
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch shell. Dice the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the diced eggplant flesh, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
Spoon the beef mixture into the hollowed eggplant halves. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese on top.
Drizzle with olive oil and cover the baking dish with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 23g