Devour Flavorful Stuffed Zucchini in Under 60!

Name: Devour Flavorful Stuffed Zucchini in Under 60!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini; 1/2 cup cooked rice; 1/4 cup ground beef; 1/4 cup diced onion; 1/4 cup diced bell pepper; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Author: Amelia Francis

Published: August 1, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Zucchini, zucchini, zucchini! Seriously, what CAN’T you do with it? You can grill it, bake it, spiralize it into noodles… But honestly, one of my absolute *favorite* ways to use this veggie superstar is in a killer Stuffed Zucchini recipe! It’s like a little boat of deliciousness, packed with flavor and surprisingly good for you.

I swear, even my picky eaters gobble this up. And that’s saying something, trust me! This Stuffed Zucchini recipe is so simple, even on busy weeknights. Plus, it feels kinda fancy, even though it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. Honestly, I think what I love most is that you can totally customize it – use whatever ground meat you have on hand, toss in your favorite veggies… the possibilities are endless!

Seriously, give this one a try. I promise, you won’t regret it! It might just become your new go-to, just like it did for us. You’ll get a fantastic, filling meal – all in one cute little zucchini package!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

Quick and Easy Stuffed Zucchini

Seriously, who has hours to spend in the kitchen? Not me! This stuffed zucchini recipe is ready in under an hour – perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something fast and delicious. You’ll be amazed how simple it is!

Flavorful and Healthy Stuffed Zucchini

Okay, let’s be real: healthy food doesn’t *always* taste amazing. But this? This is both! You get all the goodness of zucchini packed with a flavorful filling that’s actually good for you. Win-win!

Customizable Stuffed Zucchini

Got dietary restrictions? No problem! This recipe is super easy to adapt. Swap out the ground beef, add different veggies… make it your own! Seriously, it’s like a blank canvas for your taste buds!

Ingredients for Stuffed Zucchini

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Don’t worry, you probably have most of this stuff already kicking around. For the *best* stuffed zucchini, you really wanna use fresh ingredients when you can. But hey, I get it – sometimes frozen veggies are a lifesaver! No judgement here. Just make sure you have all this on hand before you get started, okay?

Exact Measurements for Your Stuffed Zucchini

Zucchini (2 medium zucchini)

Cooked Rice (1/2 cup cooked rice)

Ground Beef (1/4 cup ground beef)

Diced Onion (1/4 cup diced onion)

Diced Bell Pepper (1/4 cup diced bell pepper)

Tomato Sauce (1/4 cup tomato sauce)

Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese)

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon olive oil)

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)

Salt and Pepper (Salt and pepper to taste)

How to Make Perfect Stuffed Zucchini: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, people, listen up! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated at all. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have amazing stuffed zucchini in no time. I promise! Read through the whole thing once before you start, just so you know what’s coming. Ready? Let’s do this!

Preparing Your Stuffed Zucchini

First things first: crank up that oven to 375°F (190°C). Get it nice and toasty! While that’s heating up, grab your zucchini. Now, carefully slice those babies in half lengthwise. This is important: you want them to be even so they cook at the same rate. Next, scoop out the pulp. I use a spoon, and it works just fine. Don’t go too crazy and make the shells too thin – you want about a 1/4-inch border. Set those zucchini “boats” aside; we’ll fill ’em soon!

Mixing the Stuffed Zucchini Filling

Now, for the good stuff! In a bowl (any bowl will do, honestly!), dump in your cooked rice, ground beef, diced onion, diced bell pepper, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic powder. Don’t forget the salt and pepper! Now, get in there with a spoon (or your hands, if you’re feeling adventurous!) and mix it all up really well. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. Taste it! Seriously, taste it! Now’s your chance to add a little more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if you think it needs it. Trust your gut!

Baking Your Stuffed Zucchini

Alright, time to load up those zucchini boats! Spoon the filling into each zucchini half, packing it in there nicely. Don’t be shy! Place the stuffed zucchini in a baking dish. I usually spray mine with a little cooking spray first, just to be safe. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through. Careful when you take them out – they’ll be HOT! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Voila! You’ve got perfect stuffed zucchini!

Tips for the Best Stuffed Zucchini

Don’t Overcook Your Stuffed Zucchini

Seriously, nobody likes mushy zucchini! You want it tender, but still with a little bite. Start checking ’em around 25 minutes, and poke ’em with a fork. If it goes in easy but isn’t *totally* soft, you’re good to go!

Seasoning Your Stuffed Zucchini Filling

This is HUGE, you guys! Don’t just throw everything in and hope for the best. Taste that filling before you stuff those zucchini! Add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, whatever you think it needs. Trust your taste buds – they know what they’re doing!

Stuffed Zucchini Variations

Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini

Okay, meat-lovers, hear me out! You can totally make this a vegetarian masterpiece! Just swap out the ground beef for lentils, quinoa, or even crumbled tofu. Seriously, it’s delicious! You could also add some extra veggies, like mushrooms or spinach, for even more flavor. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini

OMG, who doesn’t love cheese? Adding a little mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta takes this stuffed zucchini to a whole new level! I usually add it during the last few minutes of baking so it gets all melty and gooey. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Zucchini

Okay, so you’ve got your amazing stuffed zucchini… but what do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty great on its own! But if you wanna make it a full meal, I usually go for a simple side salad. A little vinaigrette, some greens… perfect! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, some crusty bread for soaking up all those yummy juices? Mmm!

Storing and Reheating Your Stuffed Zucchini

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These stuffed zucchini are just as good the next day. Just pop ’em in an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave ’em (easy peasy!) or bake ’em in the oven until they’re heated through. Microwaving might make ’em a little softer, just FYI!

Stuffed Zucchini Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Stuffed Zucchini?

Good question! You *can* freeze ’em, but honestly, they’re best fresh. Freezing can make the zucchini a little watery when you thaw it. But if you *have* to, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then toss ’em in a freezer bag. They’ll be okay for about a month. Just thaw ’em completely before reheating!

How long does Stuffed Zucchini last in the fridge?

If you’ve got leftover stuffed zucchini, you can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. I usually reheat mine in the microwave for a super quick lunch!

Can I use different types of cheese for Stuffed Zucchini?

Absolutely! Parmesan is classic, but feel free to experiment! Mozzarella is always a winner for a melty, gooey topping. Feta adds a salty tang. Even a little bit of shredded cheddar can be surprisingly good! Don’t be afraid to mix and match – it’s your stuffed zucchini masterpiece!

Nutritional Information for Stuffed Zucchini

Okay, so you’re wondering about the nutritional stuff, right? Totally get it! But listen up: I’m not a nutritionist or anything, so take this with a grain of salt (pun intended!). The nutritional information for this stuffed zucchini recipe can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use. Different brands, different cuts of meat… it all makes a difference!

So, while I can give you a general idea of the calories, fat, protein, etc., it’s really just an estimate. If you’re super concerned about the nitty-gritty details, I’d recommend plugging the specific ingredients you used into a proper nutrition calculator. That way, you’ll get the most accurate info. Just sayin’!

Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Stuffed Zucchini!

Alright, go get cooking! And hey, if you loved this stuffed zucchini recipe (and I *know* you will!), leave a comment below! Rate the recipe! Share it with your friends! Let’s spread the zucchini love!