Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant

Name: Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants; 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef with tender eggplant, creating a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-25T18:37:09.975Z

This Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant recipe is a family favorite that combines savory beef with the subtle flavor of eggplant. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory ground beef perfectly seasoned with herbs
Tender roasted eggplant that enhances the dish's flavor
A wholesome meal that is both filling and nutritious

      

A Flavorful Combination

Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that makes it an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings. The savory ground beef, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, creates a rich filling that pairs beautifully with the tender, roasted eggplant. This combination not only satisfies your hunger but also tantalizes your taste buds with every bite.

Eggplants are often overlooked, yet they are packed with nutrients and offer a unique taste that complements various ingredients. In this recipe, the eggplant serves as a natural vessel for the meat mixture, absorbing the flavors and enhancing the overall dish. As they roast, they caramelize slightly, adding a depth of flavor that elevates the entire meal.

Cooking Techniques to Perfect Your Dish

To achieve the best results with your stuffed eggplants, it’s crucial to properly prepare the eggplants before stuffing. Salting the eggplant after scooping out the flesh helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness, ensuring a more flavorful end product. After letting them sit, be sure to rinse and pat them dry before filling them with the beef mixture.

Baking the stuffed eggplants covered initially helps to steam them, making the flesh tender and delicious. Removing the foil towards the end allows the cheese to melt and brown, creating a beautifully golden topping that is not only visually appealing but also adds a wonderful texture contrast to the soft eggplant.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant can be served as a stand-alone dish, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread. A simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the stuffed eggplants, providing a refreshing balance. Alternatively, serve it alongside a side of quinoa or couscous for a wholesome, hearty meal.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or serving with a spicy marinara sauce on the side. This added kick can elevate the dish even further, making it a favorite for those who appreciate bold flavors.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Eggplant

2 medium eggplants
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplants

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch of the shell. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Stuff the Eggplants

Fill each eggplant half with the beef mixture, pressing down to pack it in. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake

Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant!

Let the eggplants cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftover stuffed eggplants, storing them is a breeze. Allow the dish to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them a fantastic option for meal prep.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help maintain the texture of the eggplant and cheese, ensuring your meal tastes just as good as the first time.

Nutritional Benefits

This Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals in the body.

The ground beef offers a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Combined with the vitamins and minerals found in tomatoes and herbs, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also provides the body with vital nutrients necessary for overall health.

Customizing Your Stuffed Eggplant

One of the best aspects of Ground Beef Stuffed Eggplant is its versatility. Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you could substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even go meatless by using lentils or a mixture of beans and quinoa for a vegetarian version.

Adding different spices or vegetables can also enhance the dish. Consider incorporating bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own while still enjoying its delightful essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed eggplants and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I serve with stuffed eggplant?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or rice for a complete meal.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed eggplants?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to eat.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like quinoa, lentils, or different vegetables.