This Easy Mexican Stuffed Zucchini is a fun and tasty dish! It features fresh zucchini filled with seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese, creating a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor.
I love how colorful and crunchy this dish is! Plus, I get to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. Perfect for busy days when you want something quick and delicious! 🌶️🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are essential for this recipe since they hold the filling well. If zucchini isn’t available, try bell peppers or even eggplant as a tasty alternative!
Ground Beef: I like ground beef for its flavor, but ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Vegetarian? Use lentils or a mix of your favorite beans for a plant-based filling!
Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend adds great flavor and melts beautifully. If you’re dairy-free, try a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste!
Salsa: The type of salsa (mild or spicy) can make a big difference! I often use fresh salsa for extra flavor, but store-bought works just fine.
What’s the Best Way to Scoop Out Zucchini?
Scooping out the zucchini to create boats might seem tricky, but here’s how to do it right: use a small spoon or a melon baller to gently remove the flesh. Be careful not to pierce the skin, as you want sturdy walls to hold the filling!
- Start at the stem end and work your way down.
- Leave about a 1/4 inch of flesh for stability.
- Keep the scooped-out flesh for your filling – it adds flavor!
Easy Mexican Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchini
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy as preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for the stuffed zucchini!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. With a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh to create boats, leaving about 1/4 inch thick walls. Don’t forget to save the scooped zucchini flesh!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
5. Mix in the Fillings:
Stir in the finely chopped zucchini flesh, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes until heated through and well combined.
6. Combine with Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese. This gives the filling a creamy texture and delicious cheesy flavor!
7. Stuff the Zucchini:
Arrange the zucchini boats in a baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each boat and top with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish the stuffed zucchini with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!
Enjoy your Easy Mexican Stuffed Zucchini! It’s a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and good for you! 🎉🥒🎉
FAQ for Easy Mexican Stuffed Zucchini
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well too. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mixture of your favorite beans instead of meat!
What If I Don’t Have Salsa?
No worries! You can substitute salsa with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Just add some spices like cumin and chili powder to enhance the flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Prepare Stuffed Zucchini Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the zucchini and bake it when you’re ready to eat for a quick meal!
