Indulge in a culinary journey with our versatile Eggplant and Beef Pasta Sauce, a symphony of flavors that promises a delightful dining experience. Savor the rich and savory taste of tender beef, perfectly complemented by the soft and succulent texture of eggplant. This versatile sauce can elevate any pasta dish, from classic spaghetti to hearty penne, adding a burst of umami to your meal. Discover a collection of tantalizing variations in this article, each offering a unique twist on this classic combination. Explore the vibrant Arrabiata sauce, infused with fiery red chili peppers for a spicy kick. Delight in the creamy Pesto sauce, where basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese create a symphony of herbaceous flavors. Experience the elegant Puttanesca sauce, a medley of briny capers, salty olives, and tangy tomatoes. With these diverse recipes, your taste buds will embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!
PASTA ALLA NORMA RECIPE
Pasta alla norma is a satisfying Sicilian pasta with tender eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese. All the comforting Italian flavors we love in just one pan. This is one vegetarian main dish that even meat lovers will enjoy.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Dinner
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Slice and Salt the Eggplant. Trim the eggplant and partially peel them in a striped pattern (zebra pattern). Slice them into ½ inch thick rounds. Season the eggplant slices with kosher salt on both sides and lay them flat for a few minutes (up to 30 minutes if you have the time). Wipe the eggplant dry and remove excess salt using a paper towel.
- Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Roast the eggplant. Brush the bottom of a large sheet pan (or two) with extra virgin olive oil. Arrange the eggplant slices in the pans in one single layer (eggplant slices should not overlap, each should be comfortably touching the bottom of the sheet pan). Roast in the heated oven until deeply golden brown, anywhere from 35 to 40 minutes, turning over mid-way through.
- Make the Sauce. Meanwhile, get going on the sauce. In a large deep pan, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, lower the heat and cook, tossing regularly, until the garlic gains a little bit of color. Add the tomatoes (with their juices), oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then lower the heat and let simmer briefly.
- When ready, add the roasted eggplant to sauce. Let simmer while you cook the pasta.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions (mine took about 11 minutes). Drain and combine the pasta with the eggplant and sauce (if needed, add a little bit of the pasta water and toss until the pasta is well-coated). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add chopped parsley and grated ricotta salata cheese to finish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 375.7 kcal, Carbohydrate 70.6 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Cholesterol 12.1 mg, Sodium 54.1 mg, Fiber 9.9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
EGGPLANT-BEEF PASTA BAKE
Eggplant-Beef Pasta Bake
Provided by BHG Test Kitchen
Time 2h
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Add eggplant; cook until tender, stirring frequently. Remove from skillet. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to skillet. Cook until meat is brown, using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat. Stir in eggplant, tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper. Spread mixture in a shallow baking pan to cool quickly.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Stir pasta into meat mixture.
- Line a 2-quart baking dish or 8x8x1 3/4-inch square disposable foil pan with a triple layer of plastic wrap, extending the wrap to one side so there is enough to cover when folded back over dish. Transfer meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Fold plastic wrap over food, then wrap dish completely in foil. Freeze for up to 4 months
- To serve, remove foil from baking dish. Lift frozen food out of dish and remove plastic wrap; return food to dish. Cover with foil and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake, covered, about 75 minutes or until heated though (165°F), stirring mixture once halfway through baking. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 5 minutes more or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 277 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 29 mg, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 405 mg, Sugar 7 g, Fat 7 g, UnsaturatedFat 4 g
EGGPLANT PASTA
Easy and quick pasta dish!
Provided by alands18
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Eggplant
Time 55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir garlic until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggplant; cook, stirring constantly, until eggplant is softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and juice; cook until sauce is slightly reduced, about 20 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 13 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Pour sauce over pasta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.6 calories, Carbohydrate 48.8 g, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 144.7 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
PASTA WITH EGGPLANT SAUCE
Provided by Moira Hodgson
Categories dinner, pastas, main course
Time 2h25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Cut the eggplant in slices one-quarter-inch thick. Place slices in layers in a colander, salting as you go. Leave for one hour. Wipe the eggplant dry with paper towels.
- Dredge the slices lightly with flour. Heat the oil in a large skillet and fry the eggplant a few slices at a time until golden on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the sauce. Using one-quarter cup of the oil you have used for the eggplant, sautee the onion until soft. Add the meat, oregano, cinnamon, salt and pepper, tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for one hour, covered.
- Cut eggplant into strips.
- Cook the pasta in five quarts boiling water, until al dente.
- Place the pasta in a heated serving dish. Add the sauce and arrange the eggplant on top. Sprinkle with the basil and serve. Pass the cheese separately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 941, UnsaturatedFat 53 grams, Carbohydrate 71 grams, Fat 66 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 889 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 1 gram
EGGPLANT AND BEEF PASTA SAUCE
I devised this combination originally to be put on top of Rice, but it actually is a lot better on pasta, especially potato Gnocchi.
Provided by Kira5029
Categories Meat
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cut Eggplant into pieces and soak in salted water for about 20 minutes. Take out and dry.
- Slowly melt butter and olive oil together in a large pan, make sure not Add the finely chopped chili and garlic and simmer on a low heat for a few minutes.
- Add the chopped onion - cook on low for a few minutes.
- Add the mushrooms, make sure there is enough oil.
- Add the eggplant and leave to cook until the eggplant is soft.
- In the meantime cook the beef mince in a separate pan, if you want a stronger garlic flavour, add some crushed garlic to this as well.
- Add one tin of tomatoes to the Beef Mince, and one to the Eggplant, let it cook for a few minutes, then put a splash of red wine in the Eggplant. (This doesn't really matter how you want to do it, because the next step is putting the mince in the eggplant pan anyway!).
- Add the beef mince to the other pan.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Add some dry oregano to the sauce, salt, pepper and some Tabasco sauce. Only add as much Tabasco sauce as you think you can handle, but you should put in some because it does make a difference to the sauce.
- If the sauce is looking a bit watery, add some more butter at different stages in the cooking process.
- Serve over pasta (Try it over Gnocchi!) and put some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Season to your taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 414.6, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 9.7, Cholesterol 88.8, Sodium 164.5, Carbohydrate 18.2, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 8.3, Protein 24.6
SAUSAGE EGGPLANT PASTA SAUCE
I made this last night to serve over fusilli and my husband just scarfed it down, which is very rare for him. This make enough for two or three meals so is good for putting in the freezer.
Provided by Irmgard
Categories Pork
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a colander, toss the eggplant with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Pat dry with a paper towel and set aside.
- Remove the casings from the sausage.
- In a large, shallow Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the sausage, breaking up any large chunks.
- With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Drain the fat from the pan.
- Heat the remaining oil in the same pan over medium heat.
- Cook the onion, celery, garlic, oregano, pepper, eggplant and remaining salt, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is very soft, about 15 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, breaking up with a spoon.
- Return the sausage to the pan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, about 35 minutes.
EGGPLANT ZUCCHINI BOLOGNESE
I roast the veggies while the pasta cooks, making this a quick dish. This meal in one blends rustic comfort with fresh flavors. -Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. , In a large bowl, combine the eggplant, zucchini, squash, onion, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Transfer to two 15x10x1-in. baking pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 20-25 minutes or until tender. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato puree, Italian seasoning and brown sugar. , Drain pasta; stir in tomato mixture and roasted vegetables. Sprinkle with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 395 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 378mg sodium, Carbohydrate 56g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 22g protein.
EGGPLANT BOLOGNESE
Mike Ugliarolo of Scarsdale, New York sends us this family-friendly dinner-pasta and bolognese-with sauteed eggplant, pepper, onion, and zucchini.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven or large (5-quart) saucepan with a lid, heat 6 tablespoons oil over medium-high. Add eggplant; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; set aside.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to pan; reduce heat to medium. Add onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add beef; cook, stirring and breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, 5 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, add tomatoes, oregano, and eggplant to beef-vegetable mixture; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick and eggplant is tender, about 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain; serve topped with sauce and, if desired, Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 553 g, Fat 26 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 21 g
EMILY'S SUPER EGGPLANT SAUCE
This recipe makes a large amount of sweet, hearty tomato sauce, featuring eggplant, green pepper, onion, and garlic. Serve over egg noodles for a delicious dinner for six.
Provided by DIZTHEWONDERKID
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook eggplant, bell pepper, onion, and garlic until soft and tender, stirring often.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain, and set aside.
- When done, transfer vegetables to a large stock pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and water. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot over egg noodles.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 512.5 calories, Carbohydrate 67.4 g, Cholesterol 54.1 mg, Fat 22.2 g, Fiber 7.1 g, Protein 12.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 442.3 mg, Sugar 14.4 g
Tips:
- Choose fresh and firm eggplants. Look for ones that are heavy for their size and have smooth, blemish-free skin.
- To prevent the eggplant from absorbing too much oil, salt it and let it sit for 30 minutes before cooking. This will draw out the moisture and make the eggplant less likely to soak up oil.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the eggplant and beef by hand. Just be sure to chop them finely so that they cook evenly.
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the sauce. This will give the ingredients plenty of room to simmer and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has thickened. This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
Conclusion:
Eggplant and beef pasta sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to use up leftover eggplant and beef, and it's also a budget-friendly meal. The next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, give this eggplant and beef pasta sauce a try. You won't be disappointed!
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