Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This eggplant and minced beef recipe is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a more relaxed weekend meal. It's packed with flavor, combines the richness of beef with the smoky sweetness of eggplant, and is surprisingly healthy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the diced eggplant on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Toss the eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned. This step helps remove excess moisture from the eggplant, preventing a watery final dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
- While the eggplant is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until softened.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the roasted eggplant to the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the eggplant to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This dish is delicious served with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Eggplant and Minced Beef:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the eggplant; this ensures even cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.
- Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce adds depth of flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the ground beef with crumbled vegetarian sausage or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This simple yet flavorful eggplant and minced beef recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. It's a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to your preferences, making it a great addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!