Savory Stuffed Eggplant with Minced Meat and Cheese

Discover a hearty and flavorful dish with this recipe for stuffed eggplant filled with minced meat and topped with a delicious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish combines the robust flavors of seasoned meat with the richness of melted cheese, all nestled within the tender flesh of baked eggplant. It’s a satisfying meal that will surely become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant
  • Olive oil (for drizzling and cooking)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Fresh dill (for garnish)
  • 100g mozzarella, shredded
  • 100g Parmesan, grated

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Eggplant:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thick border around the edges to create a boat. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
    • Drizzle the eggplant shells with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
    • Place the eggplant shells on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until tender.
  2. Cook the Filling:
    • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
    • Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
    • Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, bell pepper, diced tomato, and dried basil. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
    • Add the tomato paste and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow to cook for an extra 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.
  3. Assemble the Eggplants:
    • Remove the eggplant shells from the oven.
    • Fill each shell with the cooked meat mixture, packing it in well.
    • Top the stuffed eggplants with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
  4. Bake:
    • Return the filled eggplants to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve:
    • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill.
    • Serve the stuffed eggplants hot, either as a main course or a hearty side dish.

Conclusion:

This savory stuffed eggplant recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of minced meat, vegetables, and cheese all in one dish. The combination of tender eggplant, seasoned meat, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your dinner menu. Enjoy the hearty goodness and impress your family and friends with this delectable dish!