Microwave Stuffed Zucchini
A meal that’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for date night? This Stuffed Zucchini recipe is just what you need! With its combination of tender zucchini, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level—without requiring hours in the kitchen.
One of the best things about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and a microwave-friendly method, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while still enjoying hearty, comforting flavors.
Want to impress your special someone with a homemade meal that feels fancy but is super simple to make? These Stuffed Zucchini boats are an excellent choice! The combination of bold Italian-inspired flavors and the visually appealing presentation makes them look restaurant-worthy with minimal effort. Serve them with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, and a glass of wine, and you’ve got an intimate, cozy meal that’s perfect for a romantic evening at home.
Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty yet wholesome, this Stuffed Zucchini recipe is a must-try. It’s easy, delicious, and customizable—exactly what you need for a stress-free yet impressive meal.
Prep time 15 minutes Cook time 18 minutes
Total time 33 minutes Serves 2
Ingredients:
2 medium zucchini
½ lb. ground beef
½ medium green bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
¼ cup shredded cheese of your choice (cheddar recommended)
1 ½ cup marinara sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Zucchini:
Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise.
Place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high (100% power) for 5 minutes to soften.
Scoop out the zucchini pulp, leaving a ¼-inch thick shell to hold the filling.
Sprinkle the zucchini shells with ¼ teaspoon salt, then place them cut side down on a plate to drain any excess moisture.
2. Prepare the Filling:
Coarsely chop 1 cup of the zucchini pulp (discard any extra).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, chopped bell pepper, chopped zucchini pulp, oregano and 1/4 cup marinara sauce for about 6 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.
Break the meat into small crumbles and drain any excess grease.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Mix well to combine.
3. Assemble the Dish:
Spoon about ¼ of the meat mixture into each zucchini shell, filling them evenly.
Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese for a melty, golden finish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce into an 8×8-inch casserole dish and arrange the stuffed zucchini halves on top.
4. Cook the Zucchini:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cut a small slit in the center to allow steam to escape.
Microwave on high (100% power) for 6 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the filling registers 160°F.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the plastic wrap (watch out for steam) and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm!
Notes:
Alternative Cooking Method: Instead of microwaving, you can bake the stuffed zucchini at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender and heated through.
Try Different Proteins: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or a meatless alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add chopped mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more depth of flavor.
Cheese Options: Cheddar is great, but you can also use mozzarella, Parmesan, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.
