Thursday, June 20, 2013

Baked Stuffed Zucchini - Now is the Time!!


Links for Baked Stuffed Zucchini below generic photos

However after researching recipes I decided to combine a couple and created my own original recipe.   Here it is: (I made for two people so have included that too)

Beef Stuffed Zucchini (for 4)                                    Beef Stuffed Zucchini (for 2)

4 servings                                                                  2 servings
4 medium zucchini or 2 large (tender)                          2 medium zucchini or 1 large  
                                                                                (tender)
1 lb. ground beef (93/7)                                               1/2 ground beef (93/7)
1/2 cup chopped onion                                                 1/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup-1 Marinara or spaghetti sauce                          1/2 cup Marinara or spaghetti                         
2 eggs, beaten                                                            1 egg beaten
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs*                                 1/8 cup seasoned bread 
                                                                                    crumbs*
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese**                              1/4 cup grated parmesan **
1/8 tsp salt                                                                 1/16 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper                                                            1/8 tsp pepper
8 slices pepper jack or 1 cup shredded pepper jack       4 slices pepper jack or 1/2 cup     
                                                                                     shredded pepper jack

Additional marinara or spaghetti                                  Additional Marinara or spaghetti                                                                     
                                                                     

* If you don't have seasoned bread crumbs use plain ones (I didn't use panko) and 
     *  4 servings:  add 1 tsp. Italian herbs and 1/2 tsp garlic powder (not salt)
     *  2 servings:  add 1/2 tsp. Italian herbs and 1/4 tsp garlic powder (not salt)

*** Cut zucchini in half likewise after cutting off both ends; cut a thin slice from the bottom so that the zucchini will lie flat in the cooking dish.  Scoop out pulp and seeds, leaving 1/4 inch shells.
*** Put shells on plate; cover with a paper towel & microwave on high for 4-5 minutes.
*** Remove shells from microwave. Wipe off any residual liquid.  
*** Mix all ingredients together and stuff shells & put in foiled lined 9 x 13 baking pan.
(You can pile stuffing high because there will be some shrinkage)
*** Bake at 350 (foil covered) for 45-50 minutes or until beef is cooked.
*** Remove foil and put heated marinara or spaghetti sauce on top.
*** Top with 1 cup grated pepper jack (for 4) or 1/2 cup grated pepper jack (for 2)  OR
          8 slices pepper jack, julienned or 4 slices pepper jack, julienned (4 servings or 2 servings)
*** Return casserole to oven uncovered for 10 minutes to melt cheese.

** Can use parmesano-reggiano if you want a kickier sauce.

Serve with extra parmesan or parmesano-reggiano, if desired. 



  

  



  










No comments:

Post a Comment