Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling
Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for those who love eggplant. Tender, roasted eggplant slices are filled with a savory, spiced ground beef mixture, then topped with a melty layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
The combination of juicy, flavorful meat and the rich texture of eggplant makes this recipe a delightful and hearty meal, great for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling because it combines the best of both worlds: tender, roasted eggplant and a flavorful, spiced ground beef filling.
The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, golden layer on top, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
It’s a perfect balance of textures, from the soft eggplant to the hearty meat and melty cheese.
Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean or comfort food, this dish is packed with bold, savory flavors that are sure to please a variety of tastes.
Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious, hearty meal with a delicious twist!
Key Ingredients:
Eggplants: Sliced into rounds, they serve as a tender, flavorful base for the dish.
Ground beef: The hearty, spiced meat filling provides richness and flavor.
Bell peppers and onions: These add sweetness and depth to the filling.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: A blend of cheeses that melts beautifully, adding a creamy, golden topping.
Crushed tomatoes and seasonings: For a savory, spiced sauce that enhances the overall flavor.
Spices like cumin, ginger, and coriander: These bring warmth and complexity to the filling, perfectly complementing the eggplant.
Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling
This Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling is a perfect dish for eggplant lovers. The tender layers of eggplant are filled with a rich, spiced meat filling, topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
It’s a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also delights your taste buds with a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
2 eggplants, sliced into 0.4-inch thick rounds
Olive oil for brushing
Salt, garlic powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, and oregano for seasoning
1 onion, finely diced
2 bell peppers, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.7 lb (320 g) ground beef
Ground cumin, ginger, and coriander
Fresh parsley, chopped
8.8 oz (250 g) crushed tomatoes
2/3 cup (160 ml) water
5.3 oz (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).
Prepare the Eggplant:
Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with a mix of salt, garlic powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, and oregano. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until they’re tender.
Cook the Meat Filling:
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the diced bell peppers and minced garlic, then stir in the ground beef. Season with cumin, ginger, and coriander. Once the meat is fully cooked, mix in the fresh parsley, crushed tomatoes, and water. Let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens.
Assemble the Dish:
In a baking dish, layer the eggplant slices, then add a generous amount of the meat filling on top. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Return the assembled dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. Pair it with a glass of red wine to elevate your dining experience.
Cooking Tips:
Even Slicing: Make sure to slice the eggplants evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Notes:
Even Slicing: Be sure to slice the eggplants into even rounds for uniform cooking. This ensures all the pieces cook at the same rate and become tender.
Roasting the Eggplant: After brushing the eggplant slices with olive oil and seasoning, make sure they are spread out on the baking sheet without overlapping to promote even roasting.
Meat Filling Consistency: When cooking the ground beef, make sure it is fully browned before adding the vegetables and spices. This will help develop a deep, rich flavor in the filling.
Cheese Options: If you prefer a more intense cheesy flavor, feel free to add a bit more Parmesan on top of the mozzarella. You can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone for a different twist.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the eggplant slices and meat filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble, just layer the eggplant and meat mixture, top with cheese, and bake as instructed.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of lentils or plant-based ground meat. This will still deliver a hearty, satisfying filling while keeping the flavors balanced.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 350 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fiber: 7g | Sugars: 7g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 500mg | Calcium: 200-mg | Iron: 3mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using leaner meats.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can include some chopped fresh chili peppers in the meat filling or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can slice and season the eggplant, cook the meat filling, and assemble the dish in advance.
Just refrigerate the layers separately and bake when you’re ready to serve.
It can be baked straight from the fridge or after a quick room-temperature warm-up.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are used in the spices or cheese.
You can also opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if you wish to add a crunchy topping, although it’s not necessary.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
How do I prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy during baking?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to roast the eggplant slices at a high temperature (356°F/180°C) for about 20 minutes until they are tender but not overly soft.
Also, make sure to brush them with just enough olive oil to coat them lightly, as too much oil can make them greasy.
Can I skip the step of baking the eggplant before assembling the dish?
While it’s not essential, baking the eggplant first helps to reduce excess moisture and ensures that it cooks evenly during the final bake.
If you skip this step, the eggplant may release more liquid into the filling, affecting the texture.
How can I make the meat filling more flavorful?
To boost the flavor, you can experiment with different spices or add a pinch of chili flakes, fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Letting the meat simmer with the spices helps to develop the flavors.
What if I don’t have ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, lamb, or even a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.
Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the new protein.
Can I add more vegetables to the meat filling?
Yes! You can easily add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meat filling for more texture and nutrients.
Just be sure to chop them finely and cook them with the onions and bell peppers so they blend well into the filling.