Savory Baked Eggplant with Meat Filling (Cozy Dinner)

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, about 1 1/2 lb (680 g), halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz (225 g) lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/4 cup (15 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup (35 g) shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
• 1 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped basil or parsley, for serving