Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Eggplant

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Eggplant
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home-Style Comfort Dishes

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Eggplant during the busy weeknights when I want something hearty yet flavorful. The combination of spiced ground beef, fluffy rice, and tender eggplant makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate vegetables into our dinner. As the eggplants roast in the oven, their natural sweetness complements the savory filling beautifully, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This dish has quickly become one of our go-to favorites!

Created by

Evelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:17:35.786Z

When I first made Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Eggplant, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious it turned out. I often experiment with various spices in the filling, and I found that a touch of cinnamon adds a wonderful warmth that elevates the dish. Baking the eggplants instead of frying them not only reduces the oil used but also enhances their natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the savory beef.

Another tip I've learned through my cooking journey is to pre-bake the eggplant halves before stuffing them. This ensures that they are tender and ready to absorb all the flavors of the filling. I like to serve it with a side of yogurt or a simple salad for a complete meal that hits all the right notes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty filling packed with flavors
Nutrient-rich eggplants that complement the dish
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep

Understanding Eggplant Choices

When selecting eggplants for this recipe, it's essential to choose firm ones with smooth skins and vibrant color. Larger eggplants provide more room for stuffing but may contain more seeds, which can impart a bitter flavor. Look for smaller varieties if you prefer a sweeter taste, as they typically have fewer seeds and are less bitter. Don't worry if your eggplants are a bit misshapen; they'll still work perfectly for stuffing.

Once you have your eggplants, you’ll want to cut them uniformly to ensure even cooking. Halving them lengthwise allows for maximum exposure to heat, which helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the eggplant flesh while also creating a deliciously tender base to hold your filling.

Enhancing Flavors in Your Filling

The combination of ground beef and spices creates a richly flavored filling that pairs beautifully with the eggplant. Feel free to experiment with spices; adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne can introduce an exciting twist. If you prefer a milder filling or are cooking for children, reducing the spices can help keep the flavors gentle while still being tasty.

Don't overlook the importance of fully cooking your filling before stuffing it into the eggplant. This not only ensures food safety but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Aim for the meat to be well-browned and the vegetables softened, providing a nice contrast to the tender eggplant.

Ingredients

Stuffed Eggplant Ingredients

2 large eggplants
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Gather all your ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience!

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Eggplants

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the eggplants lengthwise and scoop out some of the insides to create a hollow boat. Lightly brush them with olive oil, season with salt, and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until they are tender.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Stuff the Eggplants

Once the eggplants are tender, remove them from the oven. Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into the hollowed-out halves, packing it in firmly.

Bake Again

Place the stuffed eggplants back in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until everything is heated through. The tops may brown slightly for added flavor.

Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Don't forget to let the dish cool slightly before serving!

Pro Tips

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the filling for added nutrition. Leftovers make for a great lunch the next day!

Storing and Reheating

These stuffed eggplants can be made ahead of time, which is a real time-saver for busy weeknights. After assembling, you can store them in the fridge for up to two days before baking. Alternatively, you can bake them and store the leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days. Just be sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing them up, as trapping heat can cause sogginess.

For reheating, place the stuffed eggplants in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If you're in a hurry, microwaving on medium power for a few minutes can also work, but this may result in slightly softer eggplant skin.

Variations on the Recipe

This recipe is quite versatile! If you're looking to switch up the protein, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or a mix of beans. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the flavor balance.

Additionally, you can add extra vegetables to the filling, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These not only enhance nutrition but also add a lovely variety of textures. Cooking them down with the onion and garlic will help to incorporate their flavors into the dish perfectly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives, and they work well with the spices.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

A light salad or a yogurt sauce pairs nicely with the stuffed eggplants, balancing the flavors.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed eggplants and refrigerate them. Just pop them in the oven to bake when ready to serve.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Leftover stuffed eggplants can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.