Description
This Spanish Stuffed Eggplant (Berenjenas Rellenas) is a flavorful, healthy, and hearty dish that’s gluten-free and low-carb! Stuffed with ground beef, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, and topped with melty mozzarella, this Mediterranean classic is a perfect comfort meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Produce:
- 2 large eggplants (about 2 1/2 lbs)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 cups green pepper, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Salt, to taste
Oils & Vinegars:
- 2 tbsp good quality olive oil
Dairy:
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplants:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about ½-inch border.
- Chop the scooped-out eggplant flesh and set aside.
- Brush the inside of the eggplant shells with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, until softened.
2. Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and green pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the chopped eggplant flesh, fresh tomatoes, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stuff the Eggplants & Bake:
- Fill the eggplant shells with the beef mixture.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with a side of rice, salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute lentils or mushrooms for the ground beef.
- Use different cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, manchego, or feta for a different flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish, Mediterranean
