Try this mouthwatering slow cooker stuffed zucchini recipe. The zucchini boats are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, vegetables, and spices. Cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, these stuffed zucchinis are a delicious and healthy meal option that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the center to create a boat shape. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to heat through.
- Stuff each zucchini boat with the ground beef and rice mixture, evenly distributing the filling among the zucchinis.
- Place the stuffed zucchinis in the slow cooker and pour the remaining tomato sauce over them.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the zucchini is tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed zucchinis and cover again. Allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Enjoy the delicious slow cooker stuffed zucchinis!
Interesting Facts
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber.
Stuffed vegetables have been popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries.
Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and results in tender zucchinis.