Eggplant rollatini with ground beef and mozzarella cheese
Eggplant Rollatini with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Cheese features tender eggplant slices wrapped around a flavorful ground beef mixture, topped with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. This dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a hearty, satisfying meal with Italian-inspired flavors.
Cook time 50 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
2 eggplants3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1/2 lb ground beef (80/20%)
1 tsp black pepper
3 cups tomato sauce
6 oz mozzarella cheese
Eggplant Rollatini with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Cheese is a delicious and healthy Italian-inspired dish. This lovely recipe combines tender eggplant slices with a flavorful ground beef filling and oozy mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, providing a hearty meal that's both satisfying and rich in taste.
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Sprinkle them with 1/2 tsp of salt.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and lightly browned. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Season the meat mixture with the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of black pepper.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
1. Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Take one slice of baked eggplant and place a spoonful of the ground beef mixture at one end.
3. Roll the eggplant slice up around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
4. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and filling until all are used up.
1. Once all the rollatini are assembled and in the baking dish, pour the remaining 2 cups of tomato sauce over the top.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sauce.
3. Cover the baking dish with foil.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
1. Let the Eggplant Rollatini cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious Eggplant Rollatini with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Cheese!
There you have it – a delightful Eggplant Rollatini with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Cheese that's sure to become a family favorite. This dish marries the rich flavors of beef, tomato, and mozzarella with the tender texture of eggplant. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that's sure to impress.
Eggplant rollatini with ground beef and mozzarella cheese FAQ:
The Eggplant Rollatini should be baked for a total of 35-40 minutes. First, cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
The eggplant is cooked properly when it is tender and lightly browned. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C). The slices should be soft enough to roll.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor or dietary preference. Adjust cooking times as necessary.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
You will need a 9x13 inch baking dish to assemble the Eggplant Rollatini. This size is suitable for holding all the rolled eggplant and sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Choose large, firm eggplants to ensure you get nice, wide slices that are easy to roll.
- Salt the eggplant slices before cooking to draw out excess moisture and remove any bitterness.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly to enhance its flavor before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Feel free to add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a high-quality tomato sauce to complement the dish and elevate the flavors.
- For an extra cheesy version, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
- Let the dish rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking so it can firm up slightly and be easier to serve.
Nutrition Facts
6 ServingsCalories 260kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 12g
Fat 20g
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