Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 6 small-medium zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion (finely diced)
  • 1 pound ground beef (OR ground beef and pork)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (OR 2 cloves freshly minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)
  • 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (I used mozzarella; cheddar or Gouda work, too)

Instruction

  • Prep zucchini:Wash zucchini well, then slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out flesh with a small spoon and set aside. Place zucchini halves on baking sheet.
  • Brown beef and season:Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, then add ground beef and cook until well browned. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Finish filling:Stir in tomato sauce and scooped out zucchini flesh (chop if desired for more even filling), then simmer, covered, on low heat for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Fill and bake:Heat oven to 360°F. Spoon filling in prepared zucchini halves. Sprinkle with cheese and bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.