Layered Eggplant and Ground Beef Bake
Tender roasted eggplant slices are layered with a savory spiced ground beef filling, melted mozzarella, and sliced tomatoes, then baked in a fragrant tomato sauce. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice, it makes an irresistibly comforting and hearty family meal.
Ingredients for 4 portions
Instructions
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1
Trim the stems, partially peel strips off the eggplants, and slice lengthwise into 1 cm thick slices.
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2
Season the eggplant slices on both sides with salt and black pepper, brush lightly with olive oil, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 380°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
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3
In a food processor, pulse 1/3 red bell pepper, 1/3 orange bell pepper, 1 onion, and garlic cloves until finely minced.
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4
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the 400 g ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
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5
Stir in 1/3 tsp coriander powder, 1/3 tsp paprika, 1/3 tsp white pepper, 1/3 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/3 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp tomato paste, then add the minced pepper-onion mixture.
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6
Pour in 1/3 cup tomato sauce and 1/3 cup water, cooking until the liquid is fully absorbed, then set aside.
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7
Whisk together 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1.5 cups water, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp cardamom powder, 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 1/3 tsp white pepper, 1/3 tsp paprika, 1/3 tsp salt, and 1/3 tsp sugar to make the baking sauce.
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8
Grease a baking dish with 1/2 tsp olive oil, assemble 4 layered stacks alternating baked eggplant slices, beef filling, and shredded mozzarella, then top with mozzarella and sliced tomatoes.
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9
Pour the prepared baking sauce into the dish around the stacks and bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
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10
While the bake is in the oven, rinse 1.5 cups jasmine rice, stir-fry in a pot with 1/2 tbsp melted butter and 1/2 tbsp olive oil for 1–2 minutes, add 2 cups water, salt, and pepper, bring to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
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11
Garnish the eggplant bake with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with the cooked jasmine rice.
