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STUFFED ZUCCHINI WITH MEAT, CHEESE SAUCE, AND TOMATO DRIZZLE – A HEARTY AND DELICIOUS DISH

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
STUFFED ZUCCHINI WITH MEAT, CHEESE SAUCE, AND TOMATO DRIZZLE – A HEARTY AND DELICIOUS DISH

STUFFED ZUCCHINI WITH MEAT, CHEESE SAUCE, AND TOMATO DRIZZLE – A HEARTY AND DELICIOUS DISH

These smaller zucchinis are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, rice, and smoked pork, covered with a creamy cheese sauce, and finished with a rich tomato drizzle. A perfect comforting meal for the family!

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min

🍳 Cook Time: 35-40 min
🍽️ Servings: 10 pieces

Ingredients

  • 5 small zucchinis
  • 450 g mixed minced meat (pork + beef)
  • 50 g smoked pork, chopped
  • 50 g short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 6 tbsp tomato passata
  • 1 tbsp red pepper paste
  • 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
  • 6 sprigs dill, chopped
  • 4 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 batch béchamel sauce (see instructions below)
  • 100 g grated kasseri or similar cheese
  • 80 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, paprika

Instructions

  1. Soak rice in boiling water for half of its cooking time (e.g., if rice cooks for 18 minutes, soak for 9 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add minced meat and smoked pork; cook over high heat until browned.
  3. Add chopped herbs, drained rice, paprika, pepper, salt, passata, and red pepper paste; mix well.
  4. Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create cavities. Sprinkle with salt.
  5. Fill zucchini halves with the meat mixture.
  6. In a large baking dish, pour half of the remaining olive oil and cover the bottom with tomato slices. Pour remaining oil over the tomatoes.
  7. Arrange stuffed zucchinis over the tomatoes. Add boiling water to almost cover the tomatoes. Cover dish with foil.
  8. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes.
  9. While zucchinis bake, prepare a thinner béchamel sauce using 300 ml milk. Once ready, stir in grated cheese until melted.
  10. Remove foil and spoon cheese sauce over the stuffed zucchinis. Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese sauce is golden on top.

If in a hurry, sprinkle grated cheese instead of béchamel in the last 5 minutes.

  1. Transfer zucchinis to a serving platter. The tomatoes in the baking dish will be in a golden sauce.
  2. Place the baking dish on the stove over medium heat and bring the tomato sauce to a simmer for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Blend the tomato sauce until smooth.
  4. Serve stuffed zucchinis sprinkled with dill and drizzled with the fresh tomato sauce.

💡 Tips

  • Using small zucchinis ensures tender flesh and manageable portions.
  • Soaking rice partially helps keep the filling moist.
  • Prepare béchamel thinner than usual for a light cheese sauce.
  • Tomato sauce from the baking dish adds extra flavor and moisture.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Hearty family dinners
  • Comfort food with Mediterranean flavors
  • Impressive yet simple weekend meals

📝 Final Thoughts

This stuffed zucchini recipe delivers a satisfying combination of savory meat, creamy cheese sauce, and bright tomato drizzle—perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.