Savory Stuffed Zucchini Delight
Experience the hearty goodness of Savory Stuffed Zucchini Delight, a family recipe passed down through generations. This dish features tender, boiled zucchini filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, roasted red peppers, and aromatic herbs, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that pays homage to my mother-in-law's culinary expertise. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. Get ready to indulge in a delicious and satisfying dish that combines wholesome ingredients with a touch of nostalgia.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
4 (medium, washed and ends left intact)
Onion
1 (medium, minced)
Roasted Red Peppers
1 (7 ounce) can (chopped)
Green Pepper
1/2 (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Thyme
2 (fresh sprigs)
Oregano
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Ground Beef
3/4 lb (or substitute with chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, or other veggies)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Cheese
8 slices (your choice, Gouda or Gruyere recommended)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the zucchini and placing them in a pot of cold water without removing the ends.
2
Bring the water to a boil and cook the zucchini until tender, approximately 10-15 minutes, but adjust cooking time depending on the size.
3
While the zucchini is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4
Sauté the minced garlic for about a minute, then add in the minced onions and chopped green pepper, cooking until the vegetables start to soften.
5
Add in the ground meat and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, then drain any excess grease.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the meat mixture to cool slightly.
7
Once the zucchini is tender, take them out of the water and let them cool enough to handle. Slice each zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving some flesh to create a 'boat'.
8
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat mixture with the chopped roasted red peppers, scooped-out zucchini flesh, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly.
9
Fill each zucchini 'boat' with the meat mixture and place a slice of cheese on top.
10
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the stuffed zucchini for 20-30 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
11
Serve the stuffed zucchini hot and enjoy a dish that’s as delightful as it is delicious!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Stuffed Zucchini Delight?
It is a hearty family recipe featuring tender boiled zucchini filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, roasted red peppers, and aromatic herbs, topped with melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of ground beef (or substitutes), minced onions, chopped green peppers, garlic, roasted red peppers, zucchini pulp, and an egg.
Should I remove the ends of the zucchini before boiling?
No, you should place them in the pot of cold water without removing the ends to help them stay intact while cooking.
How long do I need to boil the zucchini?
Boil the zucchini for approximately 10-15 minutes until tender, adjusting for the size of the vegetables.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Gouda or Gruyere are recommended, though you can use any cheese of your choice.
Can I use a meat other than ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, or extra vegetables for a vegetarian option.
At what temperature should I bake the stuffed zucchini?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the final baking process take?
Bake the stuffed zucchini for 20-30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
What herbs are used to season this dish?
The recipe uses fresh thyme sprigs and dried oregano for seasoning.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
Yes, this dish is tagged as low carb and is a great vegetable-forward meal.
What do I do with the inside of the zucchini after boiling?
The scooped-out zucchini flesh is chopped and mixed back into the ground meat mixture to add flavor and texture.
How do I prepare the zucchini 'boats'?
Slice the boiled and cooled zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the insides while leaving some flesh to create a sturdy boat shape.
Why is an egg included in the recipe?
The beaten egg acts as a binder to help the meat and vegetable mixture stay together inside the zucchini boats.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Absolutely, it is designed as a satisfying main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables before mixing with the meat?
Yes, you should sauté the garlic, onions, and green pepper in olive oil until they begin to soften before adding the meat.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess grease from the meat before combining it with the other filling ingredients.
What kind of roasted red peppers should I use?
The recipe suggests using one 7-ounce can of chopped roasted red peppers.
Is this recipe easy to make for beginners?
Yes, with simple steps like boiling, sautéing, and baking, it is a very accessible 'easy dinner' recipe.
Can I make this dish spicy?
While the recipe is savory, you could add chili flakes or hot peppers to the filling to increase the heat level.
What size of zucchini is best?
Four medium-sized zucchinis are ideal for this quantity of filling.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, although fresh thyme is suggested, you can substitute with about 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is a nostalgic family recipe passed down from the creator's mother-in-law.
How much ground meat is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of ground meat.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, both salt and pepper should be added to taste while browning the meat.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can sauté the meat and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to stuff the zucchini.
Is it okay to leave the cheese off?
Yes, if you prefer a dairy-free version, you can omit the cheese or use a vegan substitute.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve the stuffed zucchini hot, straight from the oven, as a complete meal or with a light side salad.
Why boil the zucchini before baking?
Boiling ensures the zucchini is perfectly tender and easy to hollow out before the final baking step crisp up the filling and melts the cheese.