Drop Dead Delicious Stuffed Zucchini

Get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of "Drop Dead Delicious Stuffed Zucchini," a wholesome yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions! This recipe features tender zucchini boats loaded with a savory stuffing made from ground turkey or beef, fragrant garlic, and juicy diced tomatoes, all seasoned to perfection with Italian spices. Topped with a melty layer of mozzarella and a crispy breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, these stuffed zucchini are baked until bubbly and golden. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, this gluten-friendly option is quick, nutritious, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Serve it as a hearty main dish or a stunning side, and don’t forget the sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of freshness!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely diced onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 0.5 pounds ground turkey or ground beef
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup, grated parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh using a spoon, leaving about 1/4-inch of the shell intact. Reserve the scooped-out flesh and finely chop it.

Step 3

Brush the zucchini shells with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the ground turkey or ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until fully browned, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 7

Add the chopped zucchini flesh, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and the zucchini is softened.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Mix well to create the stuffing.

Step 9

Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly into the pre-baked zucchini shells. Top each stuffed zucchini with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Return the zucchini to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1612.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1608.0

Total Fat 80.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 262.6mg	0%
Sodium 11836.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 72.6g
Protein 99.7g	0%

Vitamin D 9.0IU	0%
Calcium 1167.3mg	0%
Iron 11.2mg	0%
Potassium 3155.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 32.0%