Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

This hearty stuffed zucchini recipe is a flavorful, nutritious dish perfect for a family meal. With a rich ground beef filling and tangy goat cheese, its an easy, yet impressive dinner option. Follow the steps below to make this dish at home!

Ingredients

• 3 large zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces goat cheese with herbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Use a spoon to scoop out the inside of each zucchini half, creating a well to hold the filling. Set the scooped zucchini flesh aside and chop it into small pieces.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Season the cooked beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, and onion powder. Stir to combine, then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Add the goat cheese to the beef mixture, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined.
6. Evenly divide the beef mixture into the hollowed-out zucchini halves. Place the stuffed zucchini halves in a 9x13-inch baking dish, arranging them side by side.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, water, allspice, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pour this mixture over the zucchini halves in the baking dish.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender. Uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to brown slightly.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with optional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	321
Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	107mg
Sodium	749mg
Total Carbohydrates	10g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	28g
Vitamin C	23mg
Calcium	99mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	850mg

The Rich History of Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini

Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini, a comforting and wholesome dish, traces its roots to Mediterranean cuisine, where stuffed vegetables have been a staple for centuries. The practice of hollowing out vegetables and filling them with meat, grains, or cheese dates back to ancient Greece and the Ottoman Empire. Zucchini, also known as courgette, became widely popular in Italian and French kitchens, where it was prized for its tender flesh and mild flavor. Over time, this dish crossed into American kitchens, adapting to local tastes and ingredients while retaining its Mediterranean essence.

Regional Variations and Local Twists

Regional adaptations of stuffed zucchini vary widely. In Italy, the dish often features ricotta or mozzarella, fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. In the Middle East, versions include rice, pine nuts, and fragrant spices such as allspice and cinnamon. In the United States, ground beef has become a popular filling, combined with breadcrumbs, eggs, and tomato sauce for a hearty, family-friendly meal. Each regions version emphasizes the ingredients that are abundant locally, giving the dish subtle flavor differences while maintaining its fundamental structure.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While stuffed peppers or eggplants share the concept of a hollowed vegetable filled with meat or grains, stuffed zucchini stands out due to its delicate texture and cylindrical shape. Unlike bell peppers, which have a robust, crisp bite, zucchini softens easily during baking, allowing the flavors of the filling to meld seamlessly. Additionally, the relatively neutral taste of zucchini creates a perfect canvas for seasoning, cheese, and tomato-based sauces, differentiating it from other stuffed vegetables that might compete with stronger natural flavors.

Typical Serving Occasions

Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini is a versatile dish that fits both everyday dinners and special gatherings. It is often served as a main course alongside a simple salad, garlic bread, or rice. In Italian-American households, it can appear at Sunday family lunches or festive dinners, while lighter versions may be part of a healthy weeknight meal. Its presentationcolorful zucchini boats filled with a savory mixturemakes it visually appealing for potlucks or dinner parties.

Interesting Facts and Culinary Tips

• Zucchini belongs to the summer squash family and is 95% water, which makes it an excellent vessel for absorbing flavors from fillings and sauces.
• The combination of ground beef and goat cheese adds a balance of rich protein and creamy tang, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Stuffed zucchini is often baked in tomato sauce, a practice borrowed from Mediterranean cuisines, which ensures the dish remains moist and flavorful.
• In some cultures, hollowed vegetables were traditionally served during harvest festivals, symbolizing abundance and nourishment.
• For a lighter version, ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes can replace beef, making the dish adaptable to different diets without sacrificing texture or taste.

FAQ about Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

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