🍝 Savory Beef and Eggplant Rigatoni: A Wholesome One-Pot Wonder 🌿

Rigatoni With Beef and Eggplant (Aubergine) Recipe 🍝

Overview:

🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
🍳 Category: One Dish Meal
🔍 Keywords: Vegetable, Meat, European, Healthy, Potluck, Savory, < 60 Mins, Stove Top

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare Eggplant:

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   • Place the eggplant in a colander and press down with a plate to drain excess juices.

2. Cook Beef and Vegetables:

   • Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened and fragrant.
   • Next, add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
   • Drain the beef mixture well, then transfer it to a bowl.

3. Cook Eggplant and Flavorings:

   • In the same skillet, add the eggplant and chicken broth.
   • Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until the eggplant starts to soften.
   • Uncover, then add minced garlic, salt, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes.
   • Stir in a touch of vinegar to add brightness to the dish.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced tomatoes and the beef mixture back to the skillet.
   • Break up the tomatoes with a spoon to incorporate them evenly.
   • Cover and let simmer for about 5 minutes to blend all the flavors together.

5. Bring it Together:

   • While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Once pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the beef and eggplant sauce.
   • Toss everything together gently to combine all the flavors.
   • Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Plate the Rigatoni with Beef and Eggplant (Aubergine) in generous portions.
   • Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
   • This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad and crusty bread for a complete meal!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 441.5
• Fat: 9.2g
• Saturated Fat: 2.7g
• Cholesterol: 88.4mg
• Sodium: 401mg
• Carbohydrates: 68.8g
• Fiber: 6.3g
• Sugar: 9.1g
• Protein: 22.4g

Tips:

• For a vegetarian version, you can swap the beef for meatless crumbles or extra veggies like diced bell peppers and zucchini.
• Don’t skip the step of draining the eggplant—it helps remove excess moisture, preventing a watery sauce.
• If you like a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

About the Recipe:

Rigatoni With Beef and Eggplant (Aubergine) is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender eggplant, savory ground beef, and aromatic herbs. This recipe, perfect for those seeking a wholesome yet satisfying dinner option, comes together in just 40 minutes. The eggplant adds a rich, meaty texture while soaking up the flavors of the garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. 🍆✨Serve this comforting pasta dish at potlucks, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving a taste of European-inspired comfort food! 🍽️🌿