Hearty Ground Beef with Roasted Eggplant

By Dr. Cindy Tanzar

For a nutritious and satisfying meal, look no further than this delicious Ground Beef with Roasted Eggplant recipe. The combination of tender roasted eggplant and savory grass-fed ground beef creates a hearty dish that is both flavorful and healthy. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is easy to make and will surely delight your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Pairing: The rich flavor of roasted eggplant complements the savory beef, creating a satisfying and well-rounded dish.
• Nutrient-Dense: This meal is packed with nutrients and healthy fats, making it a great choice for family dinners or meal prep.
• Simple Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Recipe Breakdown

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
• ½ lb. grass-fed ground beef
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup petite tomatoes, diced (with juices)
• 1-1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (without sugar)
• Pink Himalayan salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise. Score the flesh with a knife diagonally, about 1 inch apart, cutting deeply without piercing the skin. Rotate the eggplant and score it again to create a diamond pattern.
3. Roast the Eggplant: Brush the scored eggplant with coconut oil and lay the cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
4. Cook the Ground Beef: While the eggplant is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the grass-fed ground beef. There’s no need to drain the juices from the beef, as they add flavor to the dish.
5. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until they become translucent.
6. Incorporate Tomatoes and Oregano: Stir in the diced petite tomatoes and dried oregano, seasoning with pink Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes are slightly broken down.
7. Finish with Balsamic Vinegar: Add the balsamic vinegar to the beef and tomato mixture, stirring to combine.
8. Combine with Eggplant: Once the eggplant is done roasting, scoop out about 1-1/2 cups of the flesh and gently fold it into the ground beef mixture. Mix until well combined.
9. Serve: Enjoy this hearty dish as is, or consider serving it over a bed of greens or with some crusty bread. For an added touch, sprinkle cheese on top before serving!

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef with Roasted Eggplant is not only a delicious dish but also a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a comforting and satisfying option for any day of the week.

Feel free to double the recipe for leftovers—it’s perfect for lunch or dinner the next day! Enjoy the heartiness of this nutritious meal, and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!