Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini

Name: Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Hearty Cooking

I absolutely love making Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini as a quick and nutritious weeknight meal. The combination of seasoned beef, fresh herbs, and tender zucchini creates a fantastic flavor profile. Plus, it's an excellent way to sneak extra veggies into our diet. Each bite is satisfying, and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. I can whip these up in no time, whether it’s a regular dinner night or hosting friends over. It's definitely a favorite around our dinner table!

Created by

Nerissa Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:49:36.012Z

When I first tried Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini, I was surprised at how well the flavors blended. The juicy beef mingled perfectly with the mild zucchini while a dash of Italian seasoning brought everything together. I found that baking the zucchini instead of frying keeps it tender and flavorful without unnecessary oil. This method not only required minimal cleanup but also allowed the natural flavors to shine.

One tip I discovered is to scoop out the zucchini's insides gently; this gives the stuffing more room while preventing the zucchinis from becoming too soggy. Experimenting with different spices and cheeses can also lead to delightful variations!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying meal packed with nutrition
Low-carb alternative to traditional stuffed dishes
Versatile recipe – customize with your favorite ingredients

Understanding Zucchini as the Base

Zucchini serves as the perfect vessel for this dish, thanks to its mild flavor and ability to absorb seasonings. When prepped correctly, the zucchini should be tender yet firm enough to hold the stuffing without collapsing. Avoid over-scooping the insides; maintaining a bit of the flesh provides moisture and helps prevent the shells from becoming too soft during baking.

It’s also essential to choose zucchinis that are medium-sized, as larger zucchinis can have more seeds and less flavor. A uniform size ensures even cooking. You want them to be at least 7-8 inches long for optimal stuffing. Look for zucchinis with shiny skin and no blemishes for the best quality.

Browning the Beef

Getting the ground beef nicely browned is crucial for building depth of flavor in the dish. Cook it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it develops a rich brown color—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; proper browning not only adds flavor but also creates a pleasant texture that complements the tender zucchini.

If your ground beef is lean, you may not need to drain much fat, but for fattier cuts, it's best to remove excess grease. This prevents the filling from being too greasy and allows the flavors of the spices and herbs to shine through.

Cheese Variations and Garnishes

While shredded mozzarella provides a classic finish, experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or even feta for a twist on flavor. Cheeses like gouda can offer a delightfully smoky profile. When using alternative cheeses, sprinkle on towards the end of baking to prevent burning while still achieving a bubbly, golden topping.

For added freshness, consider garnishing with not only parsley but also basil or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving can elevate the dish, bringing together the rich meaty filling and the light zucchini.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful dish:

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini:

Prepare the Zucchini

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides using a spoon, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Stuff the Zucchini

Spoon the beef mixture generously into each zucchini half. Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed zucchinis.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!

Now you're ready to enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini!

Pro Tips

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or quinoa. Add your favorite spices to personalize the flavor further!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare these stuffed zucchinis ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal. Simply follow the stuffing steps and fill the zucchini shells, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through completely.

If you have leftovers, they make a fantastic lunch! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or use the microwave for quicker results, enjoying them just as delicious as the first day.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. Consider a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon to balance the hearty filling. You can also serve them alongside quinoa or whole grain rice for a more filling option.

For a family-friendly twist, top your stuffed zucchinis with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, or offer a selection of hot sauces for those who enjoy a spicy kick. These options not only enhance the flavor but also make the meal more interactive.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare stuffed zucchini in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed zucchinis and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, lentils, or quinoa as a lighter alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze stuffed zucchini?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed zucchinis before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.