If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights the versatility of eggplant, then you’re in for a treat. This delightful recipe features tender eggplant halves stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and tomatoes. What makes this dish truly special is the way the eggplant absorbs the rich flavors of the filling, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. The combination of the hearty ground beef and the juicy tomatoes provides a satisfying and well-balanced meal. Let’s get cooking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized eggplants
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a hollow shell. Reserve the flesh for later use.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, reserved eggplant flesh, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Fill each eggplant shell with the beef and tomato mixture, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the stuffed eggplant halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the eggplants are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Choose eggplants that are firm and glossy with unblemished skin for the best results. Squeezing out excess moisture from the eggplant flesh before cooking will prevent the filling from becoming watery. Feel free to add other herbs and spices such as thyme or paprika to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Serve the stuffed eggplants with a side of rice or crusty bread to complement the flavors and create a more substantial meal. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
