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mini stuffed eggplant parmesan | The Baking Fairy
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5 from 1 vote

mini stuffed eggplant parmesan

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Meat &amp, Seafood
Servings: 6
Author: Valentina | The Baking Fairy

Ingredients

  • 1 lb mini eggplants
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ lb lean ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 2 slices white bread crustless
  • 2-3 tablespoon milk
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoon dry parsley
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ cup fresh mozzarella
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • First, wash all your eggplant and cut in half. Scoop out the center, and set that aside (don't throw it away!).
  • If you have the time, place the cut eggplants in a large bowl, and cover with cold water mixed with salt. This will help pull out any bitterness. If you don't have time, you can skip it!
  • Grab the eggplant centers you set aside, and chop finely. Heat the olive oil in a small nonstick pan, and saute the eggplant until tender and slightly golden. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the milk and bread, and mash together with a fork. Add in the ground beef, egg, grated parmesan, and all of the seasonings. Add in the cooked eggplant. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
  • At this point, preheat the oven to 400F. Grab a large 10" cast iron skillet or 9x13 pan, and lightly oil the bottom. Arrange the eggplant shells in a single layer, then fill each with the meatball mixture.
  • Divide the fresh mozzarella evenly among all of them, then spoon some tomato sauce on top of each. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.
  • Add about ½" of water into the bottom of your pan or skillet, then cover with foil, and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil, and bake for 10-15 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • *Note: if you make this with large eggplants, you will have to increase the cooking time.*
  • Serve immediately over pasta or rice and enjoy!