Savory Stuffed Eggplant Delight
Indulge in this hearty Savory Stuffed Eggplant Delight, a perfect dish for eggplant enthusiasts! This recipe combines tender eggplant with flavorful ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful medley of taste and texture. Customizable ingredients allow you to experiment with ground pork or Italian sausage for variety. Whether served as a main dish or a sharing platter, this scrumptious meal delivers comfort and satisfaction to every table. Relish in the delectable layering of roasted eggplant filled to the brim with a savory filling, baked to perfection, and topped with gooey cheese.
N/A
Servings
92
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Eggplant
1 (halved and scooped)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Ground Beef
1/2 lb (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Onion
1 (small diced)
Red Pepper
1 (small diced)
Garlic Cloves
3 (minced)
Fresh Parsley Leaves
1/2 cup (chopped)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1/2 cup (chopped)
Pecorino Romano Cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated, divided)
Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
Egg
1 (beaten)
Diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, ensuring to leave enough of the wall intact to hold its shape when baked.
3
In a pot of boiling water, cook the scooped-out eggplant flesh until soft, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
4
In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook until all liquid evaporates and the beef begins to lightly brown, about 6–7 minutes.
5
Drainaand discard excess fat if necessary. Let the beef cool slightly and chop into smaller pieces to avoid large chunks.
6
In a separate medium sauté pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, red pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften, about 5–6 minutes.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked eggplant flesh, sautéed vegetables, chopped ground beef, parsley, basil, 1 cup of the grated pecorino romano cheese, breadcrumbs, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
8
Carefully fill the hollowed eggplant halves with the stuffing mixture, distributing evenly among the two halves.
9
Top the stuffed eggplants with the diced fire-roasted tomatoes and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of pecorino romano cheese on top. Season with salt and black pepper.
10
Place the stuffed eggplants in a lightly oiled baking dish or tray. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the tops are golden and bubbling.
11
Once baked, let cool for a few minutes. Slice width-wise into portions and serve hot for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
5.8g
Fat
5g
Carbs
5.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Stuffed Eggplant Delight?
It is a hearty dish that combines tender roasted eggplant with a savory filling of ground beef, vegetables, herbs, and cheese.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include a large eggplant, ground beef, onion, red pepper, garlic, Pecorino Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
Can I substitute the ground beef with other meats?
Yes, you can customize the dish by using ground pork or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
What type of cheese is used in this eggplant recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/4 cups of grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided between the filling and the topping.
How should I prepare the eggplant for stuffing?
Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a wall thick enough to maintain its shape.
What do I do with the scooped-out eggplant flesh?
The flesh should be boiled in a pot of water for 10 to 12 minutes until soft, then drained and cooled.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is used, divided into different stages of the cooking process.
How long should the ground beef be cooked?
The ground beef should be cooked for 6 to 7 minutes until the liquid evaporates and it begins to brown.
What vegetables are sautéed for the filling?
Diced onion, red pepper, and minced garlic are sautéed together in olive oil.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed for about 5 to 6 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are soft.
What fresh herbs are included in the stuffing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.
How much cheese is mixed into the stuffing?
1 cup of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese is mixed into the large bowl with the other stuffing ingredients.
Is there an egg used in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is added to the stuffing mixture to help bind the ingredients together.
How many breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs for the stuffing mixture.
What is the topping for the stuffed eggplants?
The tops are covered with a 14.5 ounce can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheese.
How much cheese is reserved for the topping?
1/4 cup of the Pecorino Romano cheese is saved to be sprinkled on top of the tomatoes before baking.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The stuffed eggplants should be baked in the oven for approximately 60 minutes.
How can I tell when the stuffed eggplant is fully cooked?
The dish is done when the eggplant shells are tender and the cheese topping is golden and bubbling.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain and discard excess fat after the beef has browned to ensure the filling isn't too greasy.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this Savory Stuffed Eggplant Delight contains 92 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5.8g of fat in each serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 5.8g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe utilizes a total of 14 ingredients.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-carb and healthy eating option.
How should the eggplant be served?
After cooling for a few minutes, slice the eggplant width-wise into portions and serve hot.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is perfect as a hearty main dish or can be served as a sharing platter.
What size of eggplant should I use?
The recipe specifies using one large eggplant.
Does this dish contain any fiber?
While the specific fiber count is not provided in the data, eggplant and vegetables are natural sources of fiber.