Zucchini Baskets Filled with Melty Ground Beef
Author/ Συγγραφέας: Katerina
Recipe type/ Τύπος Πιάτου: Appetizer / Main Course
Cuisine/ Κουζίνα: Greek
- 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
- In a skillet put the 3 tbsp of olive oil in medium/high heat and sauté the onion for couple of minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Throw the pepper and mushrooms and continue to sauté until they start to soften.
- Stir in the ground beef and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Next add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil leaves, ground nutmeg, dried herbs and sugar.
- Lower heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle the one cup cheese and stir to incorporate.
- Set aside.
- Cut the zucchinis in half.
- Cut their stems on both sides and with a spoon empty their flesh leaving half inch from the skin.
- Place them clean part downwards to a steamer and steam for about 12 minutes.
- Remove from steamer and put them immediately in very icy water to stop them from continuing to boil.
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- Fill them with the ground beef and sprinkle cheese on top of them.
- 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/
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