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Baked Ground Beef and Eggplant

A delicious, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender eggplants, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Use lean beef for a healthier option.
  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds Pre-salted to draw moisture.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce For moisture and flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Parmesan Can substitute depending on taste preference.
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the eggplants into ½-inch rounds, sprinkle them with salt, and let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until they become translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet; cook until the beef is browned.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Assembly and Cooking
  1. In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat these layers.
  2. Top the final layer with shredded mozzarella cheese or Parmesan.
  3. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish or with a fresh side salad or crusty bread. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!