Savory Baked Eggplant with Meat Filling Recipe: Homemade Bliss

Craving a hearty Mediterranean delight that blends rich flavors and textures?

This baked eggplant with savory meat filling captures the essence of home-cooked comfort.

Tender eggplant slices cradle a robust, spiced meat mixture that promises a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite brings together layers of aromatic herbs and carefully seasoned protein.

The dish speaks to traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Warm, inviting, and packed with flavor, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Irresistible Baked Eggplant With Meat Magic

• Minimal kitchen steps make this recipe super simple to assemble, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Versatile recipe allows easy swapping of meats, cheeses, and spices to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Packed with protein from ground meat and nutrients from eggplant, creating a balanced one-dish meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating.
• Cheesy, hearty filling nestled in roasted eggplant creates a crowd-favorite dish that appeals to both adults and kids, making family dinner exciting and enjoyable.

Flavors That Power Savory Stuffed Eggplant

• Eggplant: A versatile vegetable that serves as the delicious base for this hearty dish.
• Ground Meat: The protein-packed core of the filling that provides rich flavor and substance.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Garlic: A classic flavor base that creates a deep and aromatic foundation for the meat filling.

• Salt, Pepper, Sweet Paprika, Oregano, Cumin, Ginger, Coriander: A blend of spices that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps develop a rich, golden color.
• Tomato Puree, Water: Creates a smooth and flavorful sauce for the meat mixture.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a creamy and golden topping that melts beautifully over the filled eggplant.

Must-Haves For Perfect Eggplant Prep

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting eggplant and final baking.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, peppers, and cooking ground meat.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, peppers, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting eggplants and chopping vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and breaking up ground meat while cooking.
• Pastry Brush: Helpful for evenly coating eggplant with olive oil.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of spices and seasonings.

Crafting the Ultimate Baked Eggplant Experience

Step 1: Prepare Eggplant Shells

Get your eggplants ready by carefully slicing them in half lengthwise.

Gently scoop out the inner flesh, leaving a thin border around the edges.

This creates a perfect boat-like shell for your delicious filling.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sweet paprika
• Dried oregano

Place the prepared shells on a baking sheet, ready for their first round of baking.

Step 2: Roast Eggplant Base

Pop the eggplant shells into a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F).

Let them bake for about 20 minutes until they become tender and slightly softened.

This initial roasting helps develop a rich, caramelized flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and cook them until they turn soft and translucent.

Add colorful bell peppers and minced garlic, continuing to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to release their incredible flavors.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

Introduce ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat browns beautifully, creating those delicious crispy bits that add incredible depth to the dish.

Step 5: Build Flavor Profile

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sweet paprika
• Ground cumin
• Freshly grated ginger
• Ground coriander

Stir these spices to coat the meat evenly, creating a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 6: Create Sauce

Pour in tomato puree and a splash of water.

Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 7: Stuff and Top Eggplants

Carefully fill the roasted eggplant shells with the savory meat mixture.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried oregano

Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the stuffed eggplants to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Look for golden-brown cheese and a bubbling surface.

The cheese should be perfectly melted and slightly crispy at the edges.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the stuffed eggplants to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Plate up these gorgeous stuffed eggplants and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Eggplant Mastery: Tips For Tender Filling

• Remove excess moisture by salting eggplant halves and letting them sit for 15 minutes before brushing with oil to ensure crisp, non-soggy texture.
• Use lean ground beef or lamb for a rich flavor, or swap with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the dish's delicious profile.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the meat mixture to enhance the complexity and richness of the filling.
• Grate cheese freshly and mix different varieties like mozzarella and Parmesan for a more complex, creamy melted topping that browns beautifully.

Unique Ways to Dress Up Baked Eggplant

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground meat with lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu for a protein-packed plant-based version. Add extra spices to enhance flavor and maintain the savory profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap ground meat with lamb or replace with roasted chickpeas. Incorporate feta cheese and fresh mint for a Greek-inspired alternative.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use zucchini instead of eggplant as the base. Increase cheese content and use ground beef or turkey with added spinach for extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Wellness: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use almond flour or nutritional yeast as a cheese topping substitute for added texture and flavor.

Serving Up Eggplant With Extra Flair

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the stuffed eggplant on a large wooden board with creamy tzatziki, warm pita bread, and fresh herb garnish for a stunning sharing experience.
• Protein-Packed Meal Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad or quinoa tabbouleh to balance the rich meat filling and add extra nutritional value to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this hearty eggplant with a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Grenache, which complements the savory meat and spice profile beautifully.
• Fresh Finish Option: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or mint on top just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the golden-brown cheesy surface.

Keeping Stuffed Eggplant Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover baked eggplant in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Keeps well for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Place eggplant on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 175C (350F). Place eggplant in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 3 minutes to crisp cheese.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right eggplant for this recipe?

Look for firm, glossy eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin. They should feel heavy for their size and have a deep purple color. Avoid eggplants with soft spots or wrinkled skin.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

This dish is relatively nutritious, providing protein from meat and vegetables. Eggplant is low in calories and high in fiber. To make it healthier, use lean meat and control the cheese quantity.

Delicious Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean stuffed eggplant delivers rich, hearty flavors from traditional Greek cuisine. Layers of tender eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants
• 300 grams ground meat (beef, lamb, or turkey)
• 250 grams tomato puree
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 bell peppers (any color, chopped)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 150 grams mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 60 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 150 milliliters (5.07 fluid ounces) water
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sweet paprika
• Oregano (dried)
• Cumin
• 1 small knob ginger (grated)
• Ground coriander

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Instructions

1. Prepare eggplants by carefully hollowing out the center, maintaining a thin border. Generously coat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and oregano. Arrange on a baking tray.
2. Roast eggplant shells at 200C for 20 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
3. In a skillet, sauté chopped onions over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add diced bell peppers and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes to release their aromatic flavors.
5. Introduce ground meat to the pan, breaking it into small pieces and browning thoroughly.
6. Enhance meat mixture with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, cumin, grated ginger, and ground coriander for depth of flavor.
7. Pour tomato puree and water into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for 10-15 minutes until thick and rich.
8. Carefully spoon the seasoned meat mixture into roasted eggplant shells. Generously top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sprinkle dried oregano, and drizzle with olive oil.
9. Return stuffed eggplants to the oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown. Rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• Use firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes to ensure the best texture and flavor for this dish.
• Remove excess moisture from eggplant by salting the flesh and letting it sit for 15 minutes before baking, which prevents sogginess and enhances taste.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the recipe’s rich, savory profile.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations such as feta or goat cheese to create unique flavor variations while keeping the dish’s core essence intact.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg