Mediterranean Eggplant Pocket Bake

49m
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. 2Slice 2-3 eggplants into 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick slices.
  3. 3Lay the eggplant slices out on an oven-safe tray without overlapping.
  4. 4Season with salt and drizzle with olive oil.
  5. 5Roast for 18–20 minutes.
  6. 6While the eggplant cooks, make the beef mixture: in a bowl, combine 1lb ground beef with 1/3 finely diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp granulated garlic, 1/2 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
  7. 7If desired, add 1/2 cup uncooked rice to the beef mixture.
  8. 8Mix the beef mixture well.
  9. 9Form the mixture into 6-8 equal patties or balls.
  10. 10Remove eggplant from the oven and let cool for about 1 minute.
  11. 11Take one eggplant slice and lay it across your palm, then place another slice across it in an “X” shape.
  12. 12Add one beef patty in the center, then fold each side over to create a pocket.
  13. 13Repeat for all eggplant slices and patties.
  14. 14In an oven-safe dish, spread about half a jar of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  15. 15Place the eggplant pockets on top.
  16. 16Cover with a lid.
  17. 17Bake at 425°F for 22–24 minutes.
  18. 18Remove from the oven, top with mozzarella and chili flakes.
  19. 19Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  20. 20Enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 -3 medium eggplants, sliced 1/4–1/3 inch thick
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 0.33 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.5 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp granulated garlic
  • 0.5 tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley
  • pepper
  • 0.5 cup uncooked rice
  • 0.5 jar marinara or pasta sauce
  • Sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chili flakes
  • Fresh basil
  • Shredded parmesan

Equipment

ovensheet panbowloven-safe dish

Tips

  • Roast eggplant slices on an oven-safe tray without overlapping.
  • Let eggplant cool for about 1 minute after roasting.
  • If not low carb, add 1/2 cup uncooked rice to the beef mixture.
  • Serve as-is, or top with shredded parmesan, some basil, or pair with a side of rice or high-protein rice.