Description
Craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that doubles as a showstopper? This stuffed eggplant recipe delivers all that and more. Tender roasted eggplants are filled with a flavorful mix of ground meat, sautéed vegetables, and herbs, then crowned with melted mozzarella for a cheesy, golden finish. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s also healthy-ish, perfect for weeknights or entertaining. This dish fits beautifully into easy dinner ideas, healthy food ideas, or if you need a simple yet delicious low-carb dinner option. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this is a must-save dish.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced carrots
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch shell.
2. Brush eggplant shells with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes until softened.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until soft.
4. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
5. Stir in chopped eggplant flesh, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until well combined.
6. Fill roasted eggplant shells with the meat mixture and top with shredded mozzarella.
7. Return to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of ground meat.
You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to stuff and bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed half
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy dinner, healthy recipe, low-carb meal, stuffed eggplant, food ideas