Ingredients and Weight:
- Eggplant: 2 lbs (cleaned and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Onion: 1 large (chopped)
- Green bell pepper: 1 large (chopped)
- Red bell pepper: 1 large (chopped)
- Tomatoes: 2 cups (chopped)
- Ground beef: 1 lb (lean)
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup
- Beef broth: 1 cup
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a large baking dish, spread the eggplant cubes. Top with the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 15 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Savory and hearty
- Tender eggplant cubes
- Rich and flavorful meat and vegetable sauce
- Suitable for American taste buds
User Comments:
- "This dish was absolutely delicious! The eggplant was perfectly tender and the sauce was so flavorful." - Emily P.
- "I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but this dish changed my mind. It was so well-seasoned and satisfying." - William S.
- "I loved the combination of the eggplant, beef, and vegetables. It's a great dish for a family dinner." - Sarah M.
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have a large skillet, you can use a Dutch oven or a large stockpot to brown the ground beef and cook the vegetables.
- To reduce the calories, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.