Hamburger Stuffed Zucchini
Stuffed zucchini halves filled with a savory beef mixture, topped with cheese and baked to perfection. A hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp, leaving the shells intact.
- Brown the hamburger, minced onion, and green or red pepper in a skillet.
- Add the zucchini pulp to the meat mixture, cover, and cook until the squash is soft.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
- Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg, cracker crumbs, half of the Parmesan cheese, and enough tomato sauce to moisten the mixture.
- Season the zucchini shells with salt and pepper.
- Place the shells in a shallow baking pan and spoon the filling into each half.
- Spoon a small amount of tomato sauce on top of each stuffed zucchini and pour the remaining sauce around the halves.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the squash is tender and the top is toasted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. Adding finely chopped mushrooms can enhance the filling's flavor and texture. If you don’t have cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work well as substitutes. Enhance the taste by adding Italian herbs or spices. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hamburger Stuffed Zucchini with a side salad for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls complement the dish nicely, making it a hearty meal. For a complete experience, consider pairing with a light pasta dish, or browse more American recipes to create a full dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed zucchini halves in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Stuffed Zucchini contains roughly 295 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2158mg per serving (94% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed zucchini a day in advance. After filling the shells, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a convenient option for busy evenings.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
If zucchini isn't available, you can use bell peppers or large portobello mushrooms as alternative vessels for the stuffing. Each will provide a unique flavor and texture, making the dish versatile while still delivering a delicious result.
Can I freeze the stuffed zucchini?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed zucchini before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This is a great way to meal prep for busy days.
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).