Minced Beef and Eggplant recipe that blends savory beef with tender eggplant in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. This dish works well with rice, couscous, or flatbread.
🍽️ Minced Beef and Eggplant Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
🧄 Ingredients:
For the main dish:
2 medium eggplants (aubergines), diced (leave skin on for texture)
2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for frying eggplant)
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green chili (optional), finely chopped
500g (1.1 lb) minced (ground) beef
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup water or beef stock
Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped (for garnish)
Optional toppings:
Plain yogurt or labneh
Pine nuts or slivered almonds (lightly toasted)
🔪 Instructions:
Prep the eggplant:
Toss the diced eggplant with a bit of salt and let it sit in a colander for 20 minutes to draw out bitterness. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a large pan, heat some oil and sauté the eggplant in batches until golden brown and soft. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add garlic and chili (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
Add minced beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (7–10 minutes).
Add spices and tomato:
Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and water or stock. Bring to a simmer.
Combine and simmer:
Add the cooked eggplant to the beef mixture.
Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with chopped parsley or coriander.
Serve hot with rice, bulgur, flatbread, or over a bed of couscous.
Would you like a version with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or Asian flavors?