Baked eggplant with savory meat filling is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender eggplant with a flavorful meat mixture, all topped with cheese and baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for a hearty meal and can be served as a main course or a substantial side dish.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)