Stuffed Zucchini
A hearty dish with zucchini stuffed with a flavorful meat filling, topped with cheese and baked until golden.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving:Calories: 370 kcal, Fat: 27 g, Sodium: 400 mg, Carbohydrate: 10 g, Protein: 22 g
Descriptions
This Stuffed Zucchini recipe is a comforting and hearty meal that combines zucchini boats filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and onions, cooked in tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese.
It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted with different types of meat or made vegetarian with a grain-based filling. Served with pasta or rice, it makes a complete and delicious dinner.
Directions
1- Prepare the zucchini: Wash the zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise to form 4 “boats.” Use a spoon to scoop out the inside flesh and set it aside.
2- Cook the filling: Heat half of the olive oil in a pan. Sauté the finely chopped onion and the reserved zucchini flesh until softened. Add the ground pork, beef, or a combination, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a fork.
3- Assemble: Place the hollowed-out zucchini in a baking dish. Fill them with the meat mixture, then pour tomato sauce (or peeled tomatoes for a chunkier texture) over the stuffed zucchini.
4- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the zucchini for about 30-40 minutes.
5- Top with cheese: A few minutes before the zucchini is done, sprinkle with grated cheese. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and golden. For a crispier top, you can broil for an additional 2 minutes.
6- Serve: Enjoy hot, paired with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Note's
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with cooked grains like quinoa, barley, or lentils.
- Using peeled tomatoes gives the dish more texture, while tomato sauce makes it saucier. Choose based on your preference.
- Serve the stuffed zucchini with pasta or rice to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground pork or beef (or a combination)
- 8 oz tomato sauce or peeled tomatoes
- 2 oz grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
