Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant

Introduction

Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is a hearty, flavorful, and elegant dish that transforms tender eggplant into a vessel for a savory meat filling. Hollowed-out eggplant halves are filled with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and spices, then baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy topping.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a comforting yet nutritious meal. The creamy, tender eggplant absorbs the flavors of the beef and seasonings, while the melted cheese on top adds richness and indulgence, making each bite a delicious balance of textures and flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and healthy. Eggplant serves as a low-carb alternative to bread or pasta while still giving the dish a satisfying body. The savory, spiced beef filling paired with the tender, roasted eggplant makes each bite deliciously hearty without feeling heavy.

It’s also versatile — you can adjust the spices, swap cheeses, or even make it vegetarian. The aroma while baking is incredible, and the final presentation is beautiful, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines the richness of a stuffed casserole with the freshness of vegetables, creating a satisfying, flavorful meal in one dish. The combination of tender eggplant, juicy ground beef, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese makes it a standout dish that’s impressive yet easy to prepare.

It’s perfect for anyone who loves Mediterranean or Middle Eastern flavors, wants a low-carb dinner option, or simply enjoys a comforting, well-balanced meal.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: ~50–55 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~400–450
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / American

Ingredients

For the Eggplant:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare Eggplants
   • Wash eggplants and slice them in half lengthwise.
   • Scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/2-inch thick shells. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
   • Brush the eggplant shells with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Place the shells in the baking dish and roast for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
3. Cook the Filling
   • In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
   • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
   • Stir in chopped eggplant flesh, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
4. Stuff the Eggplants
   • Spoon the beef mixture into the roasted eggplant shells, filling them generously.
5. Add Cheese Topping
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the stuffed eggplants.
6. Bake
   • Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the eggplant is tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
   • Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
   • Garnish with additional parsley or fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a main course with a side salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Can be served individually on plates or family-style in the baking dish.
• Optionally drizzle with a little olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use firm, fresh eggplants for the best structure and flavor.
• Salt the eggplant slices before roasting to reduce bitterness and excess moisture.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the filling.
• Let stuffed eggplants rest for a few minutes before serving so the filling sets.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Cheese Variations: Use feta, goat cheese, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the filling.
• Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze stuffed eggplants (without cheese on top) for up to 2 months. Add cheese when baking from frozen.
• Reheating Tip: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwave is also possible but may make eggplant softer.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking dish
• Skillet or frying pan
• Spoon for scooping eggplant
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and stuff the eggplants in advance and refrigerate. Add cheese and bake when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked beef?
Yes, mix with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings before stuffing the eggplants.

Q3: Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or provolone all work well.

Q4: Can this dish be made low-carb?
Yes, eggplants are naturally low-carb, and this recipe already fits a low-carb diet.

Q5: Can I grill the eggplants instead of baking?
Yes, grill eggplant halves first, then stuff and melt the cheese under a broiler or on a grill pan.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that combines tender eggplant, savory beef filling, and golden melted cheese. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and health, easy to prepare, and versatile enough for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. This dish is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty, flavorful, and elegant dinner.