Cheesy Beef Stuffed Zucchini Food

BEEF-STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells. , Place shells in an ungreased 3-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion and zucchini pulp over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat; stir in the marinara sauce, egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup cheese., Spoon about 1/4 cup into each shell. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer or until a thermometer inserted into filling reads 160° and zucchini are tender. If desired, broil zucchini 3 in. from the heat for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Serve with additional marinara sauce.

CHEESY GROUND BEEF & ZUCCHINI STUFFED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium-high heat.
• Brown meat in skillet; drain. Meanwhile, bring water to boil in large saucepan. Add rice; cover. Simmer 5 min. Remove from heat; let stand 5 min.
• Drain meat. Add to rice with zucchini and 1 cup each pasta sauce and cheese.
• Place 1 pepper half in center of each of 6 large sheets of heavy-duty foil; fill with meat mixture. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Bring up foil sides. Add 1 Tbsp. water to each packet. Double-fold top and ends to seal each packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside.
• Grill 20 to 25 min. or until filling is heated through and peppers are crisp-tender. Cut slits in foil to release steam before opening each packet.

BEEF STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375F. Slice zucchini in half, and carve them out with a spoon. Chop the zucchini 'meat' and set it aside. Line zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with oil.
• Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet. Cook onion for 2-3 minutes or until it begins to golden. Ad the garlic and cook for a few seconds. Add meat and cook until it's no longer pink, 3-5 minutes. Add the marinara sauce, zucchini pulp, italian seasoning and salt + pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
• Spoon mixture into zucchini boats and top each with a drizzle of cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheesy is fully melted and bubbly.

DROP DEAD DELICIOUS STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Wash zucchini, and put in a pot of cold water (do not remove ends).
• Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes, maybe a little longer depending on the size of your zucchini.
• Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a fairly large skillet.
• Saute garlic first, then add onions, green pepper, thyme, and oregano.
• When the veggies begin to soften, add ground meat (or whatever you are using), season with salt and pepper, and brown until cooked through.
• Drain off any excess grease.
• Set aside to cool slightly.
• When the zucchini have cooked through, remove from water, and allow to cool enough to handle.
• Slice cooled zucchini lengthwise, and scoop out center, leaving a little veggie flesh to form a"boat.
• "Mix ground meat mixture with the red peppers, and the scooped out zucchini (chopped), and the egg.
• Fill the zucchini boats with the mixture, and top each with a slice of cheese.
• Bake in a 375ºF oven for 20-30 minutes, until heated through, and cheese begins to bubble and brown.
• Serve hot.
• Note: If making this dish with tuna or fish, I like to add a little mayo or garlic mayo, and substitute the raw egg for a hard boiled and chopped one.

STUFFED ZUCCHINI WITH CHEESY BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place bread in a food processor, pulse until crumbs form, and set aside.
• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise, and scoop pulp out leaving a 1/4 inch thick shell.
• Chop pulp.
• Place zucchini halves cut side up on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
• Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, and add zucchini pulp, and onion, and saute for 5 minutes.
• Add add remaining salt, pepper, artichoke hearts, thyme, and garlic and cook 45 seconds.
• Add wine, cook 1 minute.
• Combine breadcrumbs, and onion mixture in a large bowl, and stir in cheese and remaining ingredients.
• Spoon 1/2 cup breadcrumb mixture into each zucchini shell.
• Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until just tender.

CHEESY BEEF-STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Cut the large zucchini into halves; scoop out center seeds and discard. Place in large casserole dish and cover with salted water and saran wrap. Cook in microwave for approximately 20 minutes or until fork tender.
• During this process, cook the rice.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan; sauté onion, carrots, zucchini, and garlic. Remove to bowl and keep warm.
• Fry the chuck in same saucepan; rinse and drain. Return to pan. Mix in the rice, vegetable mixture, velveeta cheese, mushroom soup, and half and half into the beef. If more half and half is needed, add to make a gooey mixture. Add salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
• Drain zucchini halves and pat dry with a paper towel. Salt the cavity.
• Spray casserole with cooking spray that held cooking zucchini. Lay zucchini into the casserole dish; spoon mixture into zucchini boats; if you have leftover mix, dump on top. Put bread crumbs on top.
• Bake 400 degrees until golden brown.