Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef Recipe

Stuffed Zucchini with Ground Beef

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 (3.5 fluid ounce) glass red wine
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• cup beef stock
• cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with foil. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water.
2. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon, chopping the flesh and setting aside about of it for stuffing. Reserve the remaining for another use.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the zucchini halves and cook for 4 minutes. Drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in the ice water to stop the cooking process, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and broken into very small pieces, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Add rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes.
6. Stir in the reserved of zucchini flesh, onion, and grated carrot. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Pour in the red wine and Worcestershire sauce. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Add beef stock and cook for another 3 minutes. Allow the mixture to simmer until it reduces, about 10 minutes.
9. Place the zucchini halves into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture into the zucchini boats. Sprinkle the tops with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned, about 30 minutes.

Cook's Note

If the beef mixture in Step 4 is too runny, thicken it with a little cornstarch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 316
• Total Fat: 20g (25% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (32% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 72mg (24% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 222mg (10% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 8g (3% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 24g (48% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 16mg (17% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 109mg (8% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 713mg (15% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.