Delicious and cheesy eggplant beef stacks perfect for a cozy dinner, combining layers of roasted eggplant, savory beef filling, and melted cheese.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
2 large eggplants, sliced into thick rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Extra parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the eggplant: Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Arrange on a baking tray and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until slightly tender.
Make the beef sauce: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thick and rich.
Assemble the stacks: Place one roasted eggplant slice on a baking tray. Top with a spoonful of beef mixture and mozzarella cheese. Add another eggplant slice on top to create stacks. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over each stack.
Bake until golden: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beautifully golden.
Garnish and serve: Top with roasted cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and extra parmesan cheese. Serve hot with salad, rice, or toasted bread.
Notes
Pair with a creamy garlic herb drizzle or a fresh lemon yogurt sauce for extra richness and balance.
Use lean ground beef or ground chicken for a lighter option.
Bake the eggplant in an air fryer for less oil.
Add spinach or zucchini into the beef filling for extra vegetables.