Easy Baked Eggplant and Ground Beef Delight
If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple, this Baked Eggplant and Ground Beef Delight is your new go-to comfort meal. With layers of tender roasted eggplant, spiced ground beef, and melty cheese, this dish feels like a cross between lasagna and moussaka — without the fuss. It’s weeknight-friendly, freezer-ready, and sure to impress.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-carb comfort: Eggplant stands in for pasta or potatoes, making this dish lighter but still satisfying.
- Easy layering: No tricky steps — just roast, cook, and layer.
- Deep, savory flavor: Ground beef with garlic, onion, tomato, and warm spices gives this dish rich Mediterranean vibes.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 400g ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheese blend
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
🔥 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roast the eggplant: Brush slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and soft.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in spices, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Assemble: In a baking dish, layer half the eggplant slices, top with beef mixture, then remaining eggplant. Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with herbs and let cool slightly before slicing.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
Serve it warm with a side of herbed couscous, simple green salad, or garlic bread. For a lighter version, pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini.
🧠 Tips & Variations
- Swap the meat: Use ground lamb, turkey, or a vegetarian mince for a twist.
- Add layers: Throw in roasted zucchini, spinach, or even mashed potatoes between the layers.
- Cheese options: Feta, parmesan, or a vegan cheese work beautifully here too.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Eggplant and Ground Beef Bake is everything you want from a comfort meal — rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful, with none of the hassle. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
