This Easy and Cheap Eggplant Beef Recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines tender eggplant slices layered with a savory ground beef mixture, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, creating a delicious and hearty meal. The combination of rich, savory beef with the subtle sweetness of eggplant and the melty cheese makes this dish irresistible. It’s budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious eggplant beef recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Eggplant Beef Recipe
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Eggplant serves as the perfect base, absorbing the flavors of the seasoned beef and cheese. The dish is easy to assemble, can be customized with different spices or cheeses, and is baked to perfection with a crispy, cheesy top. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while still enjoying a hearty, meaty dish.
Ingredients (Serves 3-4)
Ground Meat Mixture:
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 g (7 oz) ground beef
- 1/4 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Ground red pepper (optional), to taste
Other Ingredients:
- Olive oil, for frying
- Unsalted butter, for frying
- Olive oil, for brushing the eggplant
- Mozzarella cheese, grated, for sprinkling
Basis:
- 1 large eggplant
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For Decorating:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 6 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 380 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Meat Mixture
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes over low heat until it turns golden.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan, followed by the ground beef. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped yellow bell pepper and tomato to the pan. Season with salt, ground black pepper, and ground red pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the mixture is well combined.
- Transfer the ground meat mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Eggplant Base
- Cut the large eggplant into slices about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat a pan with a mixture of butter and olive oil. Place the eggplant slices in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Brush the tops of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season both sides with salt and ground black pepper.
- Fry the eggplant slices for 2 minutes on each side over low heat until they are golden and slightly softened. The eggplant should be tender but still hold its shape.
Step 3: Assemble the Eggplant and Meat Layers
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the fried eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the prepared ground meat mixture on top of each eggplant slice.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the meat layer.
- Continue layering the eggplant slices if desired, creating stacks with the filling and cheese between each layer.
Step 4: Bake the Eggplant
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the eggplant is crispy on the edges.
- Remove from the oven when the cheese is golden and the dish looks crispy and delicious.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
- Garnish the baked eggplant stacks with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the eggplant beef stacks warm, alongside a fresh salad, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Eggplant Beef Recipe
- Choose Fresh Eggplant: Look for firm, shiny eggplants with smooth skin and no blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Control the Oil: Eggplant absorbs a lot of oil, so brushing rather than soaking the slices helps keep the dish lighter and prevents it from becoming greasy.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the ground meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
This Easy and Cheap Eggplant Beef Recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. It’s perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish that brings together the best of eggplant, beef, and cheese in every bite!
