Baked Stuffed Zucchini
A hearty baked zucchini dish filled with seasoned meat and tomato mixture, topped with melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and remove all seeds.
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet, drain the grease, and add all ingredients (tomatoes, onion, pepper, herbs). Simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Poke holes halfway into the bottom of each zucchini half and add melted butter into each half.
- Fill each zucchini half with the ingredient mixture.
- Wrap each stuffed zucchini half in aluminum foil, adding a little water between the foil and zucchini.
- Place sliced mozzarella cheese on top and close the foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes until the zucchini is soft.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of hamburger. You can also substitute fresh herbs with dried ones, just use less as dried herbs are more potent. If you want a kick, add some red pepper flakes. To avoid soggy zucchini, be sure to drain the tomatoes well before mixing with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked stuffed zucchini with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light white wine or sparkling water. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or steak. This dish also works well as an appetizer at gatherings like a Barbecue For 25 People.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the zucchini in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This helps retain moisture and prevents drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Stuffed Zucchini contains roughly 365 calories, with 5g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1889mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables for stuffing?
Absolutely! You can customize the stuffing by adding chopped mushrooms, spinach, or cooked rice. Feel free to get creative with whatever vegetables you have on hand to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the hamburger with a mix of lentils, quinoa, or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to enhance the flavors and textures.
What if I don't have aluminum foil?
If you don't have aluminum foil, you can use a baking dish with a lid to cover the zucchini while baking. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper, though it may not seal as tightly. Just ensure that the zucchini stays moist during cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).