Description
A simple oven-baked dish made with layers of tender eggplant and seasoned minced (hashed) beef, baked together in a savory tomato sauce until rich and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound ground (hashed) beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake eggplant for 15–20 minutes until softened.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until soft, then add garlic.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and cinnamon.
- Simmer the beef sauce for 8–10 minutes.
- Layer baked eggplant slices in the prepared dish.
- Spread a layer of beef mixture over the eggplant.
- Repeat layers, finishing with beef on top.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Salting eggplant before baking helps reduce bitterness.
- Cheese is optional for a lighter dish.
- Serve with yogurt or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean