Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 4 medium zucchini (cut in half lengthwise)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper ( diced)
  • 12 slices pepperoni (cut into half)
  • flesh from 2 zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instruction

  • Cut the zucchini in half and using a small spoon, hollow out the center out of the halves, leaving 1/4 inch thick shell on each half, to create zucchini boats. Keep only the flesh from two zucchini and discard the rest.
  • Squeeze excess water out of the flesh and chop well. Set aside.
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and once the oil is hot add diced onion and garlic, stir and cook for 1 minute. Push to one side of the pan.
  • Add ground sausage. Using a wooden spoon, break it up while it cooks. Mix with the onion and garlic and continue cooking for about 5 minutes. Drain grease, leaving only about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
  • Add the diced bell pepper, tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced zucchini flesh, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir well and simmer on low for about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper if needed.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking dish with foil, to avoid cheese sticking to it, and set aside.
  • Using a spoon, scoop the sausage mixture into the hollowed zucchini boats. Divide the mixture equally and press firm to fit in as much as possible into the zucchini boats.
  • Arrange into a baking dish and top with shredded cheese and pepperoni slices.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25-35 minutes until cheese is melted and zucchini is cooked through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes of cooking.