GARDEN-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Garden-Stuffed Zucchini Boats image

Not only are these boats a delightful way to get your veggies, they're basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases-just grab your favorite garden goodies and add any spices or mix-ins you like. -Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Ingredients

3 medium zucchini
3/4 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups water, divided
3/4 cup canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes or chopped fresh tomatoes (with seeds and juices)
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
1/3 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup uncooked ditalini or other small pasta
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
Pasta sauce, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Halve zucchini lengthwise; place cut sides down in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scoop out seeds, leaving a 1/4-in. shell., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion, green pepper and garlic over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in 1 cup water, tomatoes, red peppers, mushrooms, pasta, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook until mixture is thickened and pasta is al dente, 12-15 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese., Spoon mixture into zucchini shells. Place in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with 3/4 cup Italian cheese blend. Pour remaining water into bottom of dish. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Serve with pasta sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 489 calories, Fat 24g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 992mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 36g protein.