Zucchini Meat Loaf Italiano
A flavorful Italian-inspired meat loaf with zucchini, Parmesan, and herbs, complemented by grilled chicken and vegetable skewers for a hearty and colorful meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 or 3 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 onion, cut into chunks ⓘ
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Skewer chicken breast cubes, green bell pepper pieces, onion chunks, and red bell pepper pieces alternately on long skewers.
- Place skewered chicken and vegetables on the prepared grill.
- Brush with barbecue sauce.
- Turn and brush with barbecue sauce frequently.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you prefer, use store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own for a personalized touch. Ensure the chicken is marinated to enhance its taste. This dish works wonderfully with Italian recipes, especially when served with a side of creamy polenta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the skewers hot off the grill with a refreshing side salad or crusty bread. They pair beautifully with Deluxe Spaghetti Sauce for a delightful meal. You can also serve them over rice or pasta to soak up any extra barbecue sauce, making your meal even more satisfying.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the flavors and texture of the meat and vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Meat Loaf Italiano contains roughly 1169 calories, with 49g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (170% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), and protein (97% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2967mg per serving (129% 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 other types of meat for the skewers?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or pork. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different meats have varying cooking requirements. For example, shrimp only need a few minutes on the grill until they are opaque and firm.
What barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?
A tangy or sweet barbecue sauce complements the flavors of the grilled chicken and vegetables. You can also experiment with spicy or smoky varieties to suit your taste. Homemade sauces can be tailored to your preferences, enhancing the overall dish.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to grill. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent drying out. This makes for a convenient and quick 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).