Stuffed Zucchini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & Hearty: The combination of beef sausage, Parmesan, and mozzarella gives this dish a rich and savory flavor.

• Perfect for Summer: Zucchini is a quintessential summer vegetable, and this dish is a perfect way to showcase it.

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal in under 1.5 hours.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 medium zucchini

• 1 pound beef sausage

• 1 cup dry bread crumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trim the stems off the zucchini and slice them lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating hollow boats. Place the zucchini boats in a large bowl and set aside.

2. Make the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease. In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Mix well until the filling is evenly combined.

3. Stuff the Zucchini

Spoon the sausage mixture into the zucchini boats, packing it in gently. Arrange the stuffed zucchini halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Bake the Zucchini

Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed zucchini boats and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through.

5. Add Mozzarella

Remove the foil, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed zucchini. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 (yielding 6 stuffed zucchini halves)

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage or a mixture of vegetables for a vegetarian option.

• Add More Veggies: You can add chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage filling for added flavor and texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture if you like a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef sausage. You may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the zucchini boats and assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar cheese, feta, or any cheese that melts well for the mozzarella. You can also mix different cheeses for a unique flavor.

Can I freeze stuffed zucchini?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed zucchini before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free stuffing mix.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Zucchini recipe is an easy-to-make, delicious, and healthy dish perfect for summer meals. The combination of tender zucchini, savory sausage, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as a side, it’s sure to be a hit!