THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Eggplant and Ground Beef Dish
This hearty dish combines tender eggplant with savory ground beef for a comforting meal that's easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s full of rich flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Eggplant and Ground Beef Dish
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
FROM OUR VIDEO COLLECTION
Intense Chocolate Brownies
Something delicious to watch next.
01
Step 1
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray. Lay the eggplant slices on some paper towels and sprinkle them with salt. Then cover them with more paper towels and let them sit for about 30 to 45 minutes—this helps pull out some of the moisture. After that, press down on the towels to squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
02
Step 2
In a bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, cinnamon, and ginger. Coat each eggplant slice in this mixture. Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat, then cook the eggplant slices until the edges turn golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they’re crisp on the edges but still tender inside. Set them aside.
03
Step 3
Next, warm up a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in the garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until the onions soften and turn translucent—this should take 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
04
Step 4
Now it’s time to assemble. Start by layering the eggplant slices to cover the bottom of your prepared pan. Add a layer of the cooked ground beef, then spoon on half of the diced tomatoes, followed by half of the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat these layers, starting again with eggplant slices. For the final touch, sprinkle any leftover eggplant slices with Parmesan and arrange them on top.
05
Step 5
Pop the dish in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top—this usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!
Why you’ll love it
This dish combines tender eggplant with savory ground beef, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s hearty yet simple, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The mix of textures and spices keeps every bite interesting.
How to serve
Serve warm with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. A side of fresh salad or yogurt can add a refreshing contrast. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the eggplant tender. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw completely before reheating.
