Savory Eggplant and Meat Rice Bake
This Savory Eggplant and Meat Rice Bake is a delightful combination of tender eggplant, savory ground beef, and aromatic vegetables, all brought together with fluffy rice and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a hearty stuffing for roasted meats or enjoyed as a comforting side dish, this recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for family gatherings. With the added kick of spices, each bite bursts with flavor, and it's a fantastic way to showcase the delicious versatility of eggplant. Whether you're growing your own or picking it up at the market, this dish is sure to impress!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
ground beef
1 lb (raw)
eggplant
1 (peeled and cubed)
water
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
cooked rice
2 cups (cooked)
egg
1 (beaten)
breadcrumbs
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until just browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the cubed eggplant, water, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the eggplant is soft.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice and the beaten egg until well combined.
6
Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 11-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Eggplant and Meat Rice Bake?
It is a hearty dish combining tender eggplant, savory ground beef, and aromatic vegetables with fluffy rice and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How should the eggplant be prepared?
The eggplant should be peeled and cubed before being added to the skillet.
What type of meat is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of raw ground beef.
Do I need to cook the rice before starting?
Yes, you need 2 cups of already cooked rice to stir into the eggplant and meat mixture.
What spices are included in this recipe?
The seasoning includes salt, fresh ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
How long do I sauté the onion and green bell pepper?
Sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper in butter for about 5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
How long does the eggplant need to simmer?
The eggplant should be covered and simmered for about 10 minutes until it is soft.
What is the purpose of the egg in this recipe?
One beaten egg is added to the mixture to act as a binder for the rice, meat, and vegetables.
What size baking dish is recommended?
Use a greased 9 x 11-inch baking dish for this recipe.
What provides the crispy topping for the bake?
One cup of breadcrumbs is sprinkled over the top to create a golden, crispy crust.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a slight kick from the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is primarily savory.
Can this bake be used as a stuffing?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect as a hearty stuffing for roasted meats.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter to sauté the vegetables.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is done when the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
What kind of bell pepper is used?
The recipe calls for one chopped green bell pepper.
Is the eggplant cooked in water?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is added to the skillet to help simmer and soften the cubed eggplant.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
While the recipe specifies garlic powder, you could substitute fresh minced garlic during the sautéing step.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this Savory Eggplant and Meat Rice Bake.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before being added to the butter.
Is this recipe considered a Cajun dish?
Yes, 'cajun' is one of the tags associated with this flavor profile.
Should the ground beef be completely cooked before adding eggplant?
The instructions say to cook the beef until just browned before stirring in the eggplant.
Is the eggplant peeled?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the eggplant should be peeled and cubed.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While ground beef is standard, you could potentially use ground turkey or pork as a variation.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the preparation for the egg?
The egg should be beaten before being stirred into the rice mixture.
What type of black pepper should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.