Stuffed Zucchini

This Stuffed Zucchini recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. The combination of tender zucchini filled with a savory mixture is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.

Tasting Notes:

The Stuffed Zucchini offers a harmonious balance of creamy cheese, hearty ground beef, and aromatic spices, all encased in tender zucchini boats. The dish boasts a satisfying blend of textures, from the tender zucchini to the flavorful filling, making it a truly enjoyable culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Equipment:

• Baking dish
• Skillet
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch border around the edges to form “boats”. Place the hollowed-out zucchini halves in a baking dish.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef mixture.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice and marinara sauce until well combined.
6. Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into the hollowed-out zucchini halves.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed zucchini.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Pro Tips:

• Choose zucchinis that are firm and evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
• Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add extra cooked rice or quinoa along with your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Mediterranean Twist: Replace the marinara sauce with a mixture of diced tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Tex-Mex Style: Season the ground beef with taco seasoning and mix in black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños for a spicy Tex-Mex variation.

FAQs: