Stuffed Zucchini
August 26, 2026
: 4 to 6
: 20 min
: 30 min
: 50 min
: Easy
Putting that summer garden zucchini to good use. Low-carb, high-flavor, and so easy to make. I made these with Italian flavors but you can easily change up the seasonings to make them into a Southwestern/Taco, Mediterranean, or Spicy Buffalo flavor. I topped these with gluten free bread crumbs but traditional breadcrumbs would be equally delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 zucchini
- 2 small Vidalia onions
- 15 ounce tomato sauce
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1lb 90% lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup gluten free panko crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Step 1 Wash zucchini.
- Step 2 Cut ends of zucchini off.
- Step 3 Slice zucchini in half length ways.
- Step 4 Scoop out the zucchini flesh. Chop into small cubes. Set aside.
- Step 5 Place zucchini halves face up on baking sheet. Cook in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. (This will help reduce the liquid from the zucchini)
- Step 6 Dice onions. Set aside.
- Step 7 In a large skillet add olive oil over medium high heat.
- Step 8 Add onions. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 9 Add chopped zucchini. Continue to stir while it cooks for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 10 Add ground beef. Mix ingredients together.
- Step 11 Sprinkle spices over meat and mix until well incorporated.
- Step 12 Cook until beef turns brown.
- Step 13 Add tomato sauce.
- Step 14 Turn down heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 15 Grade or purchase 1 cup of cheddar cheese. I used Wisconsin for this dish. Set aside.
- Step 16 In a mixing bowl – add panko, spices, and salt.
- Step 17 Mix.
- Step 18 Drizzle a couple teaspoons of olive oil and mix panko together. Set aside.
- Step 19 Assemble zucchini.
- Step 20 Add meat mixture to zucchini shells.
- Step 21 Sprinkle graded cheese on stuffed zucchini.
- Step 22 Top with bread crumbs.
- Step 23 Return stuffed zucchini to oven for 15 minutes.
- Step 24 I popped mine in the broiler for a couple minutes to let it really crisp up. Careful though, they can easily burn if you don’t watch carefully.
- Step 25 Serve as a meal with garlic bread.
