Description
Stuffed Zucchini is a delightful dish that features fresh zucchini stuffed with an array of ingredients, making it versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 ounce tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce for the bottom of the baking dish
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray and spread the marinara sauce over the bottom.
- Halve the zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
- Season the zucchini shells lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground sausage or beef. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and reserved zucchini flesh, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce, letting it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Place zucchini shells cut side up in the prepared baking dish and spoon the filling into each shell.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle with olive oil.
Notes
For side dishes, consider a light garden salad or crusty garlic bread. A glass of white wine or sparkling water pairs well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini half
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg