Go Back
+ servings
Baked Recipe with Ground Beef and Eggplant

Savory Baked Recipe with Ground Beef and Eggplant Delight

This Baked Recipe with Ground Beef and Eggplant is a comforting Mediterranean dish, layered with savory ground beef, tender eggplant, and cheesy goodness.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Ground turkey can be an excellent leaner alternative.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped Shallots work just as well!
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced Use garlic powder if you're in a pinch.
  • 2 cups tomato sauce Any good marinara will do!
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning Mix basil and oregano if needed.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to your preference.
For the Eggplant Base
  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds Zucchini is a nice substitute for a twist.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Feel free to swap with vegetable oil if necessary.
For the Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Parmesan) Try goat cheese for a tangy flair!

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large skillet
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather your ingredients for smooth preparation.
  2. Slice the eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle lightly with salt and set aside for 20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry before layering.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks for about 8-10 minutes until thoroughly browned.
  5. Stir in 2 cups of tomato sauce and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. Simmer on low for approximately 5 minutes.
  6. In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices at the bottom, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat with remaining eggplant and meat mixture.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the final meat layer.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Expert Tips: Salting the eggplant draws out moisture; be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly. Customize your cheese for unique flavors. Leftovers can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!