This best Stuffed Zucchini recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a vessel to host a savory stuffing of rice, ground beef, seasoned with herbs and spices and then simmered in a savory beef stock infused red sauce. This is a perfect Ramadan meal you can make with simple ingredients.

When it comes to Ramadan meals, everyone looks for a wholesome and nutritious dish that can provide a perfect pick-me-up after a long day of fasting. This Stuffed Zucchini recipe offers an all-in-one package of health, nutrition, and protein, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying and nourishing post-Iftar dinner.

Tender, succulent best stuffed zucchini generously stuffed with an irresistible blend of rice, ground beef and juicy tomatoes flavored with herbs and spices. As you savor each bite, you’re transported to a world of aromatic spices like allspice, dry mint, and dill powder, infusing the stuffing with their intoxicating fragrance.

And that’s not all – these stuffed zucchinis are then simmered in a red sauce made with beef stock, tomato paste, and a blend of spices. This cooking method ensures that the stuffing and the zucchini flavors meld together in perfect harmony.

Stuffed Zucchini Ingredients

Zucchini – Look for medium-sized firm zucchini (8 to 10 inches long)

Rice – Use long-grain white rice best for stuffing in zucchini, which will become fluffy and tender when cooked.

Ground Beef – Choose lean beef, preferably 85% lean to 15% fat.

Tomato – One large, chopped tomato will add a juicy, sweet flavor to the stuffing.

Parsley – Use fresh parsley, chopped finely, to add a fresh and earthy flavor to the stuffing.

Seasonings – Season the rice and ground beef stuffing with dry mint, allspice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dill powder, Cajun seasoning, and pomegranate molasses.

Garlic – Use fresh garlic cloves, minced, for an intense flavor that will enhance the stuffing.

Onion – You’ll need half an onion, chopped, to sauté with the tomato paste.

Tomato Paste – You’ll need tomato paste to thicken the sauce while adding a nice tomato flavor.

Beef stock – Use beef stock to create a savory and flavorful cooking liquid for the stuffed zucchini.

Olive Oil – To sauté the onion and garlic.

Sauce Seasonings – The rich tomato-based and beef broth-infused sauce features a seasoning blend of dry mint, allspice, salt, and black pepper.

How to make the Best Stuffed Zucchini

Start by cutting off the top and bottom of each zucchini with a knife and hollowing out the flesh with a zucchini corer. Leave enough flesh so the zucchinis retain their shape while stuffing and cooking. Set them aside.

Combine the rice, ground beef, chopped tomato, parsley, minced garlic in a large bowl.

Add seasonings and mix the mixture until combined well.

Fill the stuffing in hollowed zucchinis, ensuring not to overstuff, as this can cause them to tear apart.

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for a few minutes until translucent.

Add the sauce, spices, tomato paste, and minced garlic to the pan and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the beef stock and mix everything.

Place the best stuffed zucchini into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd.

Cover the pan with a lid and let zucchini simmer on low heat for 40 to 60 minutes or until tender.

Transfer the cooked best stuffed zucchini to a serving tray and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

FAQ’s

What to serve with best stuffed zucchini?

Serve it with a simple salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, a side of roasted vegetables, or some fresh crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Or serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as tzatziki or hummus to add an extra layer of flavor to each bite. Experiment with different sides and dipping sauces to find your perfect combination!

Can I make vegan best stuffed zucchini?

You can make vegan version of stuffed zucchini by substituting ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. You can also use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor to the stuffing mixture.

How do I know if the best stuffed zucchini is cooked?

Check by piercing it with a fork or knife. The zucchini should be tender enough to pierce through without resistance easily. Additionally, check the internal temperature of the filling with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches at least 165°F (74°C). If both the zucchini and filling are tender and fully cooked, then the stuffed zucchini is ready to be served.