Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This Eggplant with Ground Beef recipe is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal packed with Mediterranean flair. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and the result is a delicious dish your whole family will adore. This recipe is a perfect example of transforming simple ingredients into a truly unforgettable homemade meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones!
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), diced
- 1 pound 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)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Eggplant: Salt the diced eggplant generously and place it in a colander. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy final dish. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
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Brown the Beef: Heat the 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.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the Eggplant: Add the dried eggplant to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat the eggplant pieces evenly. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping, or alongside your favorite side dish, like a simple green salad or quinoa.
Tips for the Best Eggplant with Ground Beef:
- Don't skip the salting step! Salting the eggplant helps to remove excess moisture, resulting in a much tastier and less watery final dish.
- Use good quality ground beef: The flavor of the beef will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the sauce.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams
This delicious and easy eggplant with ground beef recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Enjoy!