This baked eggplant with ground meat and cheese recipe is a delightful combination of savory flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The tender eggplant pairs beautifully with the seasoned ground meat and melted cheese, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to adapt to your preferences.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants (about 600 grams or 1.3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tomatoes (about 300 grams or 10.5 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion (about 100 grams or 3.5 ounces)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 1/4 cups (300 grams) ground meat
- 1 bell pepper (about 120 grams or 4.2 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 cups (200 grams) cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Directions:
- Prepare the Eggplants:
- Slice the eggplants and place them on a baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, dried garlic, paprika, and oregano.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Pour boiling water over the tomatoes for 5 minutes, then peel and dice them.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan.
- Finely chop the onion and 2 garlic cloves and sauté in the pan.
- Add the ground meat and cook thoroughly.
- Add the diced bell pepper and tomatoes, mixing well.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of ketchup.
- Stuff and Bake:
- Top the baked eggplant slices with the ground meat mixture.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for another 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Prepare the Yogurt-Mayo Sauce:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and 1 finely chopped garlic clove in a bowl.
- Finely chop the dill and add to the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the baked eggplants with the yogurt-mayo sauce.
- Enjoy your meal!
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh green salad.
- Serve with toasted bread.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables.
- Complement with a light soup.
Cooking Tips:
- Substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Ensure the eggplants are evenly sliced for consistent cooking.
- Let the eggplants rest a bit after baking for the flavors to meld.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in protein from the ground meat.
- High in fiber from the eggplants and vegetables.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Contains healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese.
Dietary Information:
- Can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Suitable for low-carb diets with minor modifications.
- Adaptable for a vegetarian diet by replacing ground meat with plant-based proteins.
- Can be dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese and yogurt.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
- The combination of eggplant, ground meat, and cheese is irresistible.
- The yogurt-mayo sauce adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
- Versatile and can be adapted to different dietary needs.
Conclusion: This baked eggplant with ground meat and cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a standout meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you follow the recipe as is or make a few tweaks to suit your preferences, this dish is sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious recipe as much as I do. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
- What can I use instead of ground meat for a vegetarian version? Lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute work well.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- What should I serve with this dish? It pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or toasted bread.
- Can I use fresh garlic instead of dried garlic? Yes, fresh garlic can be used. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Can I use Greek yogurt for the sauce? Yes, Greek yogurt adds a nice tangy flavor to the sauce.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and yogurt to adapt this recipe for a dairy-free diet.