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Savory Stuffed Eggplant with Minced Meat and Cheese: A Flavorful Delight


  • Author: Annabel
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

A roasted eggplant “boat” filled with a flavorful minced meat mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it as a main course or a hearty side dish, garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.


Ingredients

For the Eggplant:

  • 1 large eggplant
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

For the Filling:

  • 23 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

For the Topping:

  • 100g mozzarella, shredded
  • 100g Parmesan, grated
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Fresh dill (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh to create a boat, leaving a thick border. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
  • Drizzle the eggplant shells with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.
  • Place the eggplant shells on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until tender.

2. Cook the Filling:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant and softened.
  • Add minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, bell pepper, tomato, and dried basil. Cook until the vegetables soften.
  • Mix in the tomato paste, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Assemble the Eggplants:

  • Remove the eggplant shells from the oven.
  • Fill each shell with the meat mixture, packing it tightly.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

4. Bake:

  • Return the filled eggplants to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

  • Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill.
  • Serve hot as a main course or side dish.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and bake the eggplant shells in advance. Assemble and bake with cheese when ready to serve.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the minced meat with plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
  • Cheese Options: Feta, cheddar, or Gouda can be substituted for mozzarella and Parmesan if desired.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean