Description
Zucchini boats filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and vegetables, baked until tender.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create a boat, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chopped zucchini flesh, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the zucchini boats.
- Place the stuffed zucchini in a baking dish. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lamb or beef.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use cooked lentils or quinoa as the base for the filling.
- Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or a side of tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini half
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mediterranean stuffed zucchini, zucchini boats, stuffed vegetables, ground lamb recipe, healthy dinner, easy dinner