The eggplant slices stuffed with meat sauce are a tasty and light variation of the classic baked stuffed eggplants. A simple but flavorful recipe, perfect for a tasty lunch without weighing you down: the eggplants are baked (or, for those short on time, in the microwave or air fryer), stuffed with meat sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and fresh cherry tomatoes.
A dish that combines the lightness of vegetables with the intense taste of meat, ideal also for those following a low-carb diet.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 6 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven, Stove, Microwave
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer, All Seasons
Ingredients for Preparing Eggplant Slices Stuffed with Meat Sauce
- 2 eggplants
- 1.1 lbs ground turkey
- 1.3 cups tomato pulp
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- mozzarella
- 2 sprigs marjoram
- basil
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Tools for Preparing Eggplant Slices Stuffed with Meat Sauce
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Pot
- Baking Tray
How to Prepare Eggplant Slices Stuffed with Meat Sauce
In a non-stick pan, sauté the diced carrot and chopped onion with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground turkey, season with marjoram, and let it brown. Add the tomato pulp, adjust salt and pepper, and cook for about 20 minutes until you obtain a dense and dry meat sauce.
Wash and slice the eggplants into slices about 0.4 inches thick. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the oil with salt and pepper, then brush the slices. Bake in a preheated oven at 428°F for 20 minutes or, to speed up, in the microwave on high power for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 392°F for 12-15 minutes.
Place a layer of eggplants in a baking dish, add the meat sauce, then another layer of eggplants and more meat sauce. Finish with grated mozzarella, cherry tomatoes cut in half, and a drizzle of oil.
Bake at 392°F for 20 minutes, until the surface is golden and the mozzarella is melted.
Storage
The eggplant slices stuffed with meat sauce can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2 days. Before serving, reheat them in the oven or microwave.
You can also freeze them already cooked: simply thaw and reheat before serving.
The eggplant slices stuffed with meat sauce can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2 days. Before serving, reheat them in the oven or microwave.
You can also freeze them already cooked: simply thaw and reheat before serving.
Tips
If you want an even lighter dish, replace the turkey meat with ground chicken.
For a bolder flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
Do not cut the eggplant slices too thin, or they risk breaking during assembly.
Variations
Vegetarian: substitute the meat sauce with a lentil sauce or stewed mixed vegetables.
With Béchamel: add a few tablespoons of béchamel between the layers to make them even creamier.
Spicy: enrich the meat sauce with a pinch of chili pepper.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I prepare the eggplants in advance?
Yes, you can cook and assemble them with the meat sauce in advance, then complete the gratin in the oven just before serving.
What mozzarella is best to use?
I recommend a pizza mozzarella or pre-grated one, which releases less water while cooking.
Can I replace the turkey meat?
Of course, you can use beef, veal, or pork according to your taste.
