Savory Eggplant-Turkey Melts
Indulge in these Savory Eggplant-Turkey Melts, a delicious twist on traditional meatballs that combines lean ground turkey and tender eggplant for a wholesome dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, these meatballs are baked to perfection in a rich spaghetti sauce and topped with both parmesan and muenster cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Serve them over noodles for a complete meal or enjoy them on their own as a hearty appetizer. This recipe yields 18 sizable meatballs, making it great for sharing or meal prep for the week ahead.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 (large, peeled and diced)
Ground Turkey
2 lbs (lean)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated, plus 1/2 cup for topping)
Garlic
3 cloves (crushed)
Panko Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Dried Basil
1 teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Spaghetti Sauce
1-2 cups (for baking)
Muenster Cheese
3/4 lb (thickly sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and dicing the large eggplant into small cubes. Place the diced eggplant into a saucepan and cover it with water.
2
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender.
3
While the eggplant is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, crushed garlic cloves, panko breadcrumbs, dried basil, red pepper flakes, ground pepper, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4
Once the eggplant is cooked, drain it thoroughly and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Mash the eggplant lightly with a fork, seasoning it with a pinch of salt while ensuring to absorb any excess moisture with paper towels.
5
Carefully mix the mashed eggplant into the turkey mixture until evenly blended.
6
Shape the combined mixture into 18 large meatballs, ensuring they are compact.
7
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides.
8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook the meatballs through until cooked completely, about 10-15 minutes.
9
In a large baking dish, spread a generous layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom. Carefully place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce.
10
Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the meatballs, followed by the thickly sliced muenster cheese to create a delicious cheesy topping.
11
Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
12
Serve the Savory Eggplant-Turkey Melts warm, either alongside cooked noodles using eggplant water or as a flavorful standalone dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Eggplant-Turkey Melts?
Savory Eggplant-Turkey Melts are a wholesome twist on traditional meatballs that combine lean ground turkey and tender eggplant, baked in a rich spaghetti sauce and topped with melted cheese.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 18 sizable meatballs, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
How do I prepare the eggplant for the meatballs?
Peel and dice one large eggplant into small cubes, then boil in water for about 10 minutes until tender.
What is the best way to prevent the meatballs from becoming too soggy?
After boiling the eggplant, drain it thoroughly and use paper towels to absorb any excess moisture before mashing it and adding it to the turkey mixture.
What ingredients are in the turkey mixture?
The mixture consists of ground turkey, grated parmesan cheese, crushed garlic, panko breadcrumbs, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and mashed eggplant.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The topping is a delicious combination of freshly grated parmesan cheese and 3/4 lb of thickly sliced Muenster cheese.
How long do I need to cook the meatballs in the frying pan?
Brown the meatballs on all sides first, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through.
What is the baking temperature for this dish?
The dish should be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F.
How long should I bake the meatballs in the oven?
Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
Can I serve these meatballs with pasta?
Yes, they are excellent served over noodles. You can even use the water from the boiled eggplant to cook your noodles for extra flavor.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
How much ground turkey is required?
You will need 2 lbs of lean ground turkey for this recipe.
Are there red pepper flakes in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes is included to add a subtle hint of spice.
What kind of sauce is used for baking?
The recipe uses 1-2 cups of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Is the eggplant peeled or unpeeled?
The eggplant should be peeled before it is diced and boiled.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 3 crushed garlic cloves.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich sauce, melted cheese, and hearty meatballs.
Can I eat these as an appetizer?
Absolutely, these savory melts can be enjoyed on their own as a hearty appetizer or party snack.
How much olive oil is used for frying?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to brown the meatballs in the pan.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed in total?
You need 1/2 cup for the meatball mixture and an additional 1/2 cup for the topping.
What is the texture of the eggplant once cooked?
The eggplant should be boiled until tender and then mashed lightly with a fork before mixing with the turkey.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, because it makes 18 sizable meatballs, it is a great option for prepping meals for the week ahead.
What is the primary protein source?
The primary protein source is lean ground turkey.
Should the meatballs be browned before baking?
Yes, browning them in a frying pan helps develop flavor and texture before they are finished in the oven.
What herbs are used in the seasoning?
The meatball mixture is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
How do I layer the baking dish?
Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom, place the browned meatballs on top, then sprinkle with parmesan and Muenster cheese.
Is there salt in the eggplant?
Yes, the mashed eggplant should be seasoned with a pinch of salt after draining.
Are these meatballs compact?
Yes, when shaping the mixture, you should ensure the meatballs are compact so they hold together during cooking.
Can I substitute the Muenster cheese?
While Muenster is recommended for its melting properties, you could likely substitute with mozzarella or provolone.
What is the benefit of adding eggplant to turkey meatballs?
Adding eggplant provides a tender, moist texture and increases the vegetable content of the dish without overpowering the flavor.