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Baked Keto Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Featured in Hearty and Delicious Mains.

Let me tell you about this genius keto-friendly twist on eggplant parmesan that's perfect for summer grilling! You start with these beautiful halved eggplants that get wonderfully tender on the grill, then top them with the most incredible homemade bolognese sauce that's rich with Italian herbs and spices. The finishing touch is a generous layer of melted cheese that gets all golden and bubbly under the heat. It's got all those amazing Mediterranean flavors you love but keeps things low-carb and satisfying. The best part is how the eggplant soaks up all those savory meat sauce flavors!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:53:05 GMT
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Two halved eggplants are filled with a savory meat sauce, topped with herbs and breadcrumbs, sitting on a dark plate with a blurred bowl of grated cheese in the background. Pin it
Two halved eggplants are filled with a savory meat sauce, topped with herbs and breadcrumbs, sitting on a dark plate with a blurred bowl of grated cheese in the background. | tastygusto.com

I love making these Baked Keto Stuffed Eggplant Boats they bring all those amazing Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen. The tender eggplant shells cradle this incredible bolognese sauce and when that cheese melts on top it's pure magic. They're perfect for anyone following keto or just looking for something special for dinner.

What Makes These So Special

There's something wonderful about how all these ingredients come together the hearty beef smoky bacon and that rich tomato-cream sauce. I love that it's packed with protein and still feels like comfort food. Whether you're eating low-carb or just want a delicious healthy meal these eggplant boats never disappoint.

Everything You Need

  • Eggplants: 2 big ones cut in half they're like little boats.
  • Minced Beef: 1 cup lean beef makes it nice and hearty.
  • Bacon: 1/2 cup diced adds amazing smoky flavor.
  • Celery: 1/2 cup fresh diced gives nice crunch.
  • Onion: 1 small one finely chopped it gets so sweet.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced for perfect flavor.
  • Tomato Sauce: 1/3 cup keeps it low-carb.
  • Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup makes everything creamy.
  • Fresh Oregano: 1 tablespoon so fragrant.

Let's Make Them Together

Get Everything Ready
Chop up all your ingredients heat your oven to 400°F.
Make That Amazing Sauce
Start by cooking onions and garlic until golden add bacon and beef cook 15 minutes. Throw in celery herbs and seasonings cook another 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce and cream let it all simmer covered for 40 minutes.
Prep Your Eggplants
Cut them lengthwise scoop out the middle you can chop that up and add it to your sauce if you like.
Put It All Together
Fill those eggplant boats with sauce top with cheese and bake for 40 minutes.
Time to Serve
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and enjoy while hot.
Stuffed eggplant halves filled with a savory meat sauce and topped with green herbs and grated cheese. Pin it
Stuffed eggplant halves filled with a savory meat sauce and topped with green herbs and grated cheese. | tastygusto.com

My Best Tips

Wait until after baking to add fresh herbs they'll stay bright and flavorful. Use really good cheese like fresh Parmesan or mozzarella. Don't throw away that scooped out eggplant add it to your sauce. Line your pan with parchment it makes cleanup so much easier.

The Good Stuff Inside

Each serving gives you everything you need: 465 calories 23g protein 8g carbs and 30g fat. Plus you're getting lots of potassium fiber and vitamins A and C. It's the perfect keto-friendly meal that actually fills you up.

What to Serve With Them

These boats go great with all sorts of sides. Try some keto spaghetti zucchini noodles or roasted asparagus. A fresh Greek salad or simple arugula with lemon dressing works beautifully. Want some sauce? Marinara ranch or garlic dip are all delicious choices.

Keeping Them Fresh

They'll keep in the fridge for 3 days just make sure they're in an airtight container. Warm them up in a 350°F oven until they're heated through. You can even freeze them before baking just thaw in the fridge overnight. Perfect for meal prep or busy weeks.

Quick Answers

Want to use different meat? Try chicken turkey or Italian sausage. Going vegetarian? Mushrooms lentils or tofu work great. Any cheese you love will work but mozzarella Parmesan and Gruyère are my favorites. And yes you can definitely make these ahead just assemble and keep in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

Why You'll Love These

These eggplant boats really celebrate Mediterranean cooking bringing together simple ingredients in the most delicious way. They're easy enough for weeknights special enough for company and always absolutely delicious. Give them a try I know you'll love them as much as my family does.

Three stuffed eggplant halves filled with a meat and tomato mixture, topped with herbs and grated cheese, are presented on a plate. Pin it
Three stuffed eggplant halves filled with a meat and tomato mixture, topped with herbs and grated cheese, are presented on a plate. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I do with the scooped eggplant?

If your carb intake allows, dice the scooped eggplant and add it to the bolognese sauce before filling the boats.

→ What cheese works best?

Any hard cheese or mozzarella works well. Grated parmesan adds extra flavor but isn't required.

→ When should I add fresh herbs?

Add fresh herbs after baking to prevent burning. Long cooking times can destroy the flavor of fresh herbs.

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can prepare the bolognese sauce ahead and assemble the boats just before baking.

→ What can I use for topping?

Besides cheese, you can add keto breadcrumbs or bacon bits for extra crunch and flavor.

Baked Keto Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Mediterranean-style eggplant boats filled with bolognese sauce and topped with melted cheese. A protein-rich keto meal perfect for grilling season.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
135 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 eggplant boats)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 eggplants.
02 1 cup minced beef.
03 1/2 cup diced bacon.
04 1/2 cup diced fresh celery.
05 1 small onion.
06 2 garlic cloves.
07 1/3 cup tomato sauce.
08 1/2 cup heavy cream.
09 1 tablespoon fresh oregano.
10 Grated cheese for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Caramelize onion and garlic in olive oil. Add bacon and meat, cook 15 minutes.

Step 02

Add celery, herbs, seasonings and cook 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce and cream, cook covered 40 minutes.

Step 03

Halve eggplants lengthwise and hollow out centers. Optional: dice removed flesh for sauce.

Step 04

Fill eggplant boats with bolognese sauce. Top with grated cheese.

Step 05

Bake at 200C/400F for 40 minutes. Top with Italian seasoning.

Notes

  1. Can add hollowed eggplant to sauce if desired.
  2. Add fresh herbs after baking.
  3. Any hard cheese works for topping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cooking pot.
  • Casserole dish or baking sheet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 465
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 23 g