Eggplants with Beef (Μελιτζάνες με Κρέας)

The magic begins with eggplants, which are first prepped to remove their natural bitterness and then cooked until soft and golden. These become the perfect base to soak up a hearty beef sauce made with fragrant onions, garlic, and a touch of red wine for depth. Layers of these flavorful components are assembled in a baking dish, topped with crumbled feta, and baked to perfection.

Μελιτζάνες με Κρέας

Ingredients:

4 medium eggplants, cut into rounds or slices
500g beef, cut into small cubes (you can use stew meat or minced beef if preferred)
2 medium onions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tomatoes, grated or chopped
1/2 cup red wine (optional but adds great depth of flavor)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup water or beef broth (for extra flavor)
Feta cheese, crumbled (for serving)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the eggplants:

Slice the eggplants into rounds or lengthwise slices (whichever you prefer). Sprinkle them with a bit of salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out any bitterness. After that, rinse them well and pat dry with paper towels.

You can either grill, fry, or roast the eggplants until golden and tender. For a healthier option, roasting them in the oven with a little olive oil at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes works great

.

Cook the beef: 

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.

Make the sauce:

Add the grated tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste, then pour in the water or beef broth. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Assemble the dish:

In a large baking dish, layer the cooked eggplants and beef sauce, alternating layers until all the ingredients are used up. Make sure the beef sauce is evenly spread over the eggplants. Sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta on top of the dish.

Bake: 

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the dish for about 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve: 

Garnish with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce!

Enjoy Your Meal!

This Eggplants with Beef dish is a perfect balance of tender meat, creamy eggplant, and the richness of feta cheese. It's a great way to bring the flavors of tradition to your table and make a meal that’s both comforting and full of heart.

Καλή όρεξη!