Looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that your whole family will love? This minced meat and zucchini recipe is packed with juicy ground meat, fresh herbs, creamy cheeses, and aromatic spices, making it the perfect hearty dinner.
—
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Simple Ingredients – Uses basic pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
✔ Rich & Flavorful – A perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors.
✔ Quick & Easy – Takes under 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
—
Ingredients
For the Mince Filling:
400 grams (0.88 lbs) ground meat (beef, lamb, or turkey)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon sunflower oil
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
For the Zucchini Base:
5 zucchinis
2 medium tomatoes, diced
Sliced olives (optional, for a salty kick)
3 mint leaves, finely chopped
For the Cheese Topping:
100 grams (0.22 lbs) feta cheese, crumbled
100 grams (0.11 lbs) soft cheese (like mozzarella or ricotta)
—
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
1️⃣ Wash the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise.
2️⃣ Using a spoon, scoop out the center to create a boat-like shape, but leave a thin layer to hold the filling.
3️⃣ Lightly brush with sunflower oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
4️⃣ Place the zucchini boats on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
—
Step 2: Cook the Mince Filling
5️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat.
6️⃣ Add chopped red onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
7️⃣ Stir in the minced meat, breaking it apart with a spatula.
8️⃣ Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
9️⃣ Cook for 10 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
—
Step 3: Fill the Zucchini Boats
🔟 Evenly distribute the minced meat mixture into the hollowed-out zucchini boats.
1️⃣1️⃣ Top with diced tomatoes, olives, and chopped mint leaves for extra flavor.
1️⃣2️⃣ Sprinkle with crumbled feta and soft cheese on top.
—
Step 4: Bake & Serve
1️⃣3️⃣ Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
1️⃣4️⃣ Bake the stuffed zucchini for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
1️⃣5️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving.
—
Serving Suggestions
🥗 With a Side Salad – Serve with a Greek or Mediterranean salad.
🍞 With Bread – Pair with warm pita or garlic bread.
🍚 With Rice – Serve alongside fluffy white rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
—
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked zucchini boats in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
—
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
📌 Calories: 320 kcal
📌 Protein: 22g
📌 Carbs: 12g
📌 Fats: 21g
(Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 40 min)
—
Final Thoughts
This easy zucchini and minced meat recipe is a family-favorite that combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with mouthwatering flavors. The cheesy, juicy, and slightly crispy zucchini boats are sure to become a staple in your home!
💬 Would you add extra spices or a spicy kick? Let me know below! 👇🔥
