Zucchini Baskets Filled with Melty Ground Beef
 
 
Author/ Συγγραφέας:
Recipe type/ Τύπος Πιάτου: Appetizer / Main Course
Cuisine/ Κουζίνα: Greek
Ingredients/ Συστατικά
  • 6 rounded zucchinis
For the Ground Beef
  • 500 gr. / 1 lb ground beef
  • 350 gr. / 10 oz. finely chopped tomatoes (I used canned)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 30 gr./1 oz. dried mushrooms soaked in hot water and drained
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 6 basil leaves, chopped
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup shredded melting cheese such as cheddar or gouda or edam plus 1 more cup for topping
Instructions/ Εκτέλεση
For the Ground Beef
  1. In a skillet put the 3 tbsp of olive oil in medium/high heat and sauté the onion for couple of minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Throw the pepper and mushrooms and continue to sauté until they start to soften.
  4. Stir in the ground beef and sauté for 3 minutes.
  5. Next add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil leaves, ground nutmeg, dried herbs and sugar.
  6. Lower heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle the one cup cheese and stir to incorporate.
  8. Set aside.
For the Zucchini
  1. Cut the zucchinis in half.
  2. Cut their stems on both sides and with a spoon empty their flesh leaving half inch from the skin.
  3. Place them clean part downwards to a steamer and steam for about 12 minutes.
  4. Remove from steamer and put them immediately in very icy water to stop them from continuing to boil.
  5. Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
  6. Fill them with the ground beef and sprinkle cheese on top of them.
  7. Bake until the cheese is completely melted and has taken a nice golden color.
Recipe by Culinary Flavors at https://www.culinaryflavors.gr/zucchini-baskets-filled-with-melty-ground-beef/