Description
This spicy low-carb eggplant with beef and tomatoes is a hearty, flavorful skillet meal packed with tender eggplant, savory ground beef, and juicy tomatoes simmered with warm spices. Perfect for a weeknight low-carb dinner that’s comforting yet light.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large eggplant, diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1–2 jalapeños or chili peppers, sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced eggplant and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and cook onion until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return cooked eggplant to the skillet. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Simmer an additional 10 minutes until flavors meld and eggplant is tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy as-is or with cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing jalapeños and red pepper flakes.
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for the beef.
- Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Great for meal prep—keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spicy low carb eggplant, beef and eggplant skillet, keto eggplant with beef, low carb beef tomato recipe, Mediterranean beef eggplant dish