Eggplant Beef Marinara

Makes: 4 Prep: 15 mins Cook: 40 mins

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 eggplants
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 14 oz. (400g) extra lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic, minced
• 1 cup (200g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• ½ cup (50g) cheddar cheese, grated

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise. Using a knife, cut the flesh of each eggplant in a cross-hatch pattern; be careful not to cut through the skin. Place the eggplant halves on a baking tray, flesh side up.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, bake for about 30 minutes until soft.
In the meantime, prepare the beef marinara sauce. Heat a dry, nonstick pan over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add in the onion and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Next, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and rosemary, then bring to a boil. After bringing to a boil, reduce heat to low. Continue simmering until eggplant is ready, which should take around 20 minutes.
Remove the eggplant from the oven, and scoop out the center, leaving enough meat inside the skin to hold its shape. Chop the removed flesh, and add to the beef, mixing well.
Spread ¼ of the beef marinara sauce over each eggplant half, and sprinkle each with cheese.
Place the stuffed eggplant back into the oven, and

Nutrition per serving:

359 kcals     18g Fats

24g Carbs   27g Protein