Description
Mediterranean magic shines through this cheesy beef-stuffed eggplant, blending rich ground beef with melted cheese and aromatic herbs. Hearty flavors and rustic charm invite you to savor each Mediterranean-inspired bite of this comforting dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 200 grams (7 ounces) ground beef
- 1/2 onion, chopped
Protein and Cheese:
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
Seasonings and Garnish:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Warm a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
- Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ground beef, crumbling the meat while cooking for 3-5 minutes until browned evenly.
- Introduce diced yellow bell pepper and tomatoes, continuing to cook and blend flavors for an additional 3 minutes.
- Enhance the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings, then set aside.
- Melt unsalted butter in a separate pan over medium heat, creating a golden cooking base.
- Coat eggplant slices with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper, frying each side for 2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Create layered stacks on a baking tray: place one eggplant slice, top with beef mixture, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then cover with another eggplant slice.
- Preheat oven to 356°F (180°C) while preparing the eggplant sandwiches.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly with slight golden edges.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Choose firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Pat eggplant slices dry before frying to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent excess oil absorption.
- Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content.
- Prepare extra seasoned beef mixture to use as a topping or in other dishes like tacos or stuffed peppers for meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg