Stuffed Zucchini(Serve As A Main Dish.)
Stuffed zucchini filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, herbs, and spices, then simmered in a tomato sauce—perfect for a hearty, flavorful main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb small zucchini ⓘ
- 1 medium chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 200 grams ground beef ⓘ
- 1/3 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp allspice ⓘ
- Freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled crushed tomato ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried mint ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash zucchini well, cut off the stem end, and hollow out using an apple corer, taking care not to bore through the skin.
- Put the hollowed zucchini in salty water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Soak rice in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Mix ground beef, rice, chopped onion, chopped parsley, allspice, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper to create the stuffing.
- Fill each zucchini with the prepared stuffing.
- Arrange the stuffed zucchini in a pan and cover with a plate.
- Add peeled crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed garlic, and water to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on medium heat for 1 hour or until tender.
- Once cooked, sprinkle dried mint over the dish and let it boil for an additional 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or quinoa. You can also use different herbs like basil or oregano instead of parsley and mint. For enhanced flavor, consider adding grated cheese to the stuffing. Ensure the zucchini are small and firm to hold the filling well. If you enjoy Mediterranean recipes, this dish is a perfect choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed zucchini warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley or mint. It pairs beautifully with a side of Greek Moussaka or a simple Hearty Salad Bowl. A dollop of yogurt can also enhance the flavors, making it a complete meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Zucchini(Serve As A Main Dish.) contains roughly 308 calories, with 7g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1410mg per serving (61% 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 meat for stuffing?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork as alternatives to ground beef. Each will impart a different flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorite meats.
What can I do if I don't have crushed tomatoes?
If crushed tomatoes are unavailable, you can use diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce. Just adjust the liquid content slightly to ensure the filling stays moist while cooking.
Can I prepare these zucchini ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini and stuffing a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook them when you're ready to serve for maximum freshness.
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).