Ingredients
– 4 medium zucchini
– 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
– 1 cup ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for drizzling
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating stuffed zucchini is simple when you follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create space for the filling.
3. Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa or rice, the meat mixture, diced tomatoes, half of the shredded cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Stuff Zucchini: Spoon the filling mixture into each zucchini half, making sure to pack it in well.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the stuffed zucchini.
7. Bake: Place the stuffed zucchini halves on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
By following these steps, you’ll create stuffed zucchini that is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g