Italian-Style Stuffed Zucchini - A Delicious and Kid-Friendly Recipe

This Italian-style stuffed zucchini recipe is a perfect dish for kids and adults alike. The zucchini boats are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It's a dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with the hearty flavors of Italian cuisine. The recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in just 40 minutes. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 zucchini
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds and some flesh from the center of each zucchini, creating a hollow boat-like shape. Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Break it up into small pieces while cooking. Drain any excess fat.
5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir it into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, filling them almost to the top.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each stuffed zucchini boat.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once cooked, remove the foil and broil the stuffed zucchini for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. Serve the Italian-style stuffed zucchini as a main course or as a side dish. Enjoy!

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