Italian Stuffed Zucchini With Tomato Sauce
Description
These Italian Stuffed Zucchini are a comforting, home-style dish that transforms simple summer vegetables into a substantial meal. The tender zucchini shells are scooped out and filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, ground ham, aromatic onions, carrots, and garlic, all bound together with egg and breadcrumbs. Baked in a luscious tomato sauce and topped with melted Parmesan cheese, the flavors meld beautifully in the oven. The result is a tender, juicy interior with a slightly crispy, cheesy top, perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Wash and dry the zucchini; cut them in half lengthwise.
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Carefully scoop out the centers of the zucchini halves, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell, and reserve the pulp.
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Coarsely chop the reserved zucchini pulp.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the minced onion, carrot, and garlic to the skillet; sauté until the vegetables are limp and tender.
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Add the chopped zucchini pulp to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until softened.
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Transfer the vegetable mixture to a mixing bowl and set aside.
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In the same skillet, cook the ground beef and ground ham until the beef is no longer pink and the ham is heated through.
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Add the cooked meat to the bowl with the vegetable mixture.
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Stir in the beaten egg, bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Spoon the meat-vegetable mixture into the zucchini shells, mounding it slightly on top.
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Pour the tomato sauce into the bottom of a large ovenproof baking dish.
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Arrange the stuffed zucchini halves in the dish, nestled in the sauce.
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Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the tops of the zucchini.
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Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 714kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 43g67%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Cholesterol 87mg29%
- Sodium 1134mg48%
- Total Carbohydrate 43g15%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.