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Stuffed Zucchini
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Stuffed Zucchini

Stuffed Zucchini - delicious low-carb and easy to prepare zucchini boats stuffed with seasoned ground chicken, topped with cheese, and baked until tender. A wonderful guilt-free meal to kick start the year!
Course Main, Side
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 - 6 halves
Calories 227kcal
Author Imma

Ingredients

  • 2-3 zucchinis
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • ½ medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ pound ground chicken (or turkey)
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper (As needed)
  • 1 small green, yellow, or red pepper
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • cooking spray
  • ½ cup grated cheese (Optional)

Instructions

  • Trim stems from zucchini, cut in lengthwise halves.
  • Scoop out the flesh of the zucchini with a teaspoon, leaving some at the bottom. Reserve flesh and set aside.
  • Add water to a medium-sized sauce pan, lightly salt, and bring to a boil. Gently place zucchinis in the pot of boiling water and boil for about 2-3 minutes. Using a tong, remove from water and pat dry.
  • Heat up a medium saucepan with about 2 tablespoons of oil. Add onions and garlic, cook until onions are wilted.
  • Then add the ground meat, brown for a couple of minutes until the meat is no longer pink. 
  • Next – add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Throw in the bell pepper and parsley – cook for about 2 more minutes.  
  • Finally, add about 1/2 cup of zucchini flesh, if desired. It works well with or without seeds. Adjust seasonings to taste. Set aside.
  • Greased the baking dish with cooking spray. Then start filling the zucchini with meat mixture, sprinkle with cheese, if desired, place in the oven, and bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for about 15 -20 minutes. Serve warm. 

Notes

  1. To make ahead, cook the meat mixture and place it in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container. Prepare the zucchinis on the day of serving and simply stuff them with the thawed meat mixture.
  2. Add more veggies, if you want to, or replace meat with veggies to go vegan. You may replace it with lentils, chickpeas, black beans, mashed potatoes, and more.
  3. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 288mg | Potassium: 672mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1575IU | Vitamin C: 78.2mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 2mg