Ingredients
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa for a healthier option)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating Stuffed Zucchini with Beef is simple if you follow these steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Zucchini: Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh, creating hollow boats.
3. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
4. Add Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and crumble in the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
5. Mix in Rice and Marinara: Stir in the cooked rice and half of the marinara sauce, mixing until evenly coated. Remove from heat.
6. Stuff the Zucchini: Spoon the beef mixture into each hollowed zucchini boat, packing it slightly to ensure each is filled.
7. Top with Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled zucchinis. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of each zucchini for a cheesy finish.
8. Bake: Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
By following these systematic steps, you’ll easily create a beautiful and flavorful dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g