Stuffed Eggplant

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Stuffed eggplant is a vibrant and flavorful dish that turns the humble aubergine into a meaty, cheesy, savory boat of goodness. Roasted to tenderness and brimming with a hearty filling of seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and herbs, each bite is comfort food at its best. Finished off with a melty layer of cheese, it’s a dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to pull together.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or a show-stopping main for guests, stuffed eggplant delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation. It’s a satisfying way to sneak in more vegetables and makes a delicious option for low-carb eaters without sacrificing comfort or taste.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Eggplant

This dish is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

• It’s hearty and filling without being too heavy.
• Customizable to suit meat lovers or vegetarians.
• A great make-ahead option that reheats beautifully.
• Packed with flavor thanks to garlic, herbs, and a cheesy topping.

What Kind of Eggplant Works Best for Stuffing?

Look for globe eggplants or Italian eggplants – they’re the perfect size and shape to hold a generous amount of filling. The flesh scoops out easily and roasts to a creamy texture, creating a perfect shell for your savory stuffing.

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Ingredients for the Stuffed Eggplant

Each ingredient in this stuffed eggplant recipe plays an essential role in building flavor and texture:

• Eggplants – The star of the dish. Their firm shape makes them ideal vessels for stuffing.
• Ground beef or turkey – Adds protein and heartiness to the filling. Can be swapped with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
• Onion and garlic – These aromatics form the flavor base of the stuffing.
• Tomato paste – Adds richness and depth to the filling.
• Diced carrots – Brings a slight sweetness and added veggie content.
• Olive oil – Used for roasting the eggplants and cooking the filling.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top for that golden, gooey finish.
• Italian seasoning – Infuses the filling with classic herbaceous notes.
• Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
• Fresh parsley – A bright, herby finish for garnishing.

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How To Make the Stuffed Eggplant

Step 1: Prep the Eggplants

Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch shell. Brush with olive oil and roast until tender.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, and carrots. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until everything is well combined and cooked down.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

Spoon the filling into the roasted eggplant shells. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. These are best enjoyed warm straight from the oven.

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How to Serve and Store Stuffed Eggplant

Stuffed eggplants are hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish. Each stuffed half serves about 1 person, making this recipe perfect for 4 servings.

For leftovers, allow the eggplants to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months – just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.

What to Serve With Stuffed Eggplant?

Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – a classic pairing.

Herbed Couscous

A quick and fluffy side that complements the Mediterranean flavors.

Greek Salad

Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta bring freshness to the meal.

Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up any cheesy, saucy goodness.

Lemon Rice

Light, fragrant, and balances the rich flavors of the stuffed eggplant.

Steamed Green Beans

A simple veggie side that adds texture and color.

Tzatziki Sauce

A cool, creamy dip that contrasts beautifully with the warm filling.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving this hearty eggplant dish, you’ll definitely want to check out these other satisfying mains:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this stuffed eggplant recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever the craving hits.

And let me know in the comments how you made it your own! Did you use beef, turkey, or a plant-based filling? Did you go heavy on the cheese or keep it light?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comfort classics on Lorenzo Devereaux Recipes – you might just discover your next favorite!

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