California Stuffed Zucchini
California Stuffed Zucchini features tender zucchini halves filled with a savory ground beef mixture, topped with melted cheese—perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal for family or guests.
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 pound sliced mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced pimento (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, chopped celery, sliced mushrooms (if using), and minced garlic in butter.
- Scoop out the flesh from the zucchini halves.
- Saute the scooped zucchini flesh with the sautéed vegetables and garlic.
- Add ground beef and brown thoroughly.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sliced pimento (if using), 1/2 cup grated cheese, salt, oregano, and pepper.
- Fill each zucchini half with the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the filled zucchini halves.
- Bake at 350° to 375°F for about 30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute. You can also use a mix of vegetables like bell peppers or carrots instead of celery. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Pre-cooked quinoa can be added for extra texture and nutrition. This stuffed zucchini recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed zucchini with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Hamburg Cabbage Casserole for a hearty meal. A glass of red wine can also enhance the flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the zucchini halves in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 2-3 minutes, but the oven will keep the cheese nice and bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Stuffed Zucchini contains roughly 172 calories, with 9g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), and iron (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1873mg per serving (81% 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 a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute the sharp Cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses for different flavors. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well to create that delicious, gooey topping.
Is it possible to prep this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble the stuffed zucchini just before baking. This makes for a quick weeknight meal, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dish without the stress of last-minute preparations.
What other vegetables can I add to the stuffing?
You can customize the stuffing by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach. Just make sure to sauté them until they're tender before mixing them with the ground beef. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds extra nutrition to your dish.
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).