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Baked Mediterranean stuffed eggplant filled with ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese, cherry tomatoes, and parsley on a plate with yogurt sauce and rice.

Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant with Ground Beef & Rice

Tender eggplants stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, baked to perfection and topped with gooey melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium eggplants halved lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ lb 250 g ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or basmati
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the eggplants: Halve the eggplants lengthwise, scoop out most of the flesh (leave a small border). Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until tender.
  • Make the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, cooked rice, tomato sauce, and spices. Cook 5–7 minutes until well combined.
  • Stuff the eggplants: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the eggplant shells, top with cheese, and return to the oven.
  • Bake: Bake another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
  • Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with a side salad or yogurt sauce.

Notes

Tips & Variations

Make It Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or chickpeas.
Add a Twist: Try adding crumbled feta or toasted pine nuts.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Extra Flavor: A pinch of cinnamon or allspice adds a lovely Middle Eastern aroma.

Storage

Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: Up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Reheat: Oven reheating keeps the texture best!

✅ Suitable For:

Mediterranean diet
High-protein diet
Meal-prep friendly

🚫 Not Suitable For:

Vegan diet (unless substituting meat & cheese)
Dairy-free diet (unless replacing cheese)
Keyword baked vegetables, comfort food dinner, healthy dinner, Mediterranean recipes, stuffed eggplant