Looking for a delicious and budget-friendly dish that’s easy to make? This Eggplant Beef Delight is a perfect choice. Combining the rich flavors of ground beef with the subtle sweetness of eggplant, this recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dish that’s both economical and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Olive oil (for frying)
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200g ground beef
- ¼ yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
- Unsalted butter (for frying)
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out any bitterness.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the slices with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion turns clear and the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Prepare until the beef is thoroughly browned and completely cooked through.
- Top of Form
- Bottom of Form
- Stir in the chopped yellow bell pepper and tomato.
- Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Fry the Eggplant Slices:
- In a separate frying pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and a knob of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the eggplant slices to the pan in a single layer. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and tender.
- Remove the eggplant slices from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices on the bottom.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture over the eggplant slices, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture.
- Repeat with another layer of eggplant, beef mixture, and mozzarella cheese if you have enough ingredients.
- Bake:
- Set the baking dish in the oven that’s already been preheated and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in this hearty dish.
Conclusion
This Eggplant Beef Delight is not only easy to make but also a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste. The combination of tender eggplant, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a great addition to your weekly menu. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that everyone will love!