Italian recipes
  1. Home
  2. Recipe types
  3. Meat main dishes
  4. Stuffed courgette
Meat main dishes

Stuffed courgette

⏱ 90 min🍳 45 min👤 3 pp★★★☆☆

The beauty of cooking something for someone special is in the act of love that this constitutes and, hopefully, in the appreciation that will result from giving his or her taste buds a treat! Today we decided to venture among the produce of our garden to find the best ingredients of the season. Our resulting recipe is one of those light, simple and tasty preparations that will surely win over the whole family, no matter what the age of our diners. Once you have found the best fresh courgettes, taking care to choose the large round ones as in our photos, you can begin to make this recipe which tastes of nature and well-being, not forgetting, however, that the dish will also be successful with the elongated courgettes as long as they’re wide enough … or, alternatively, other seasonal vegetables. Follow our recipe and prepare to serve second helpings ...

Ingredients

Nutritional values 285 kcal / serving
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
22g
Fat
14g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
90 minutes Total time
45 minutes Active time
Serves 3 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Soften the coarsely crumbled bread crust with milk, and leave to rest on a tea towel. Finely chop the onion and add to the minced beef. Chop the mint and add to the minced beef and onion. Combine all the soaked bread crust and mix. Add salt, pepper and olive oil. Now comes the fun part: cut off the top of the round courgettes and set aside because they will form the lids for the stuffed courgettes. Then scoop out the contents of the courgettes and mix the contents of just one with the other ingredients – this will constitute the filling. Salt the inside of the courgettes before filling, and then drain the water that will form inside. When all the courgettes are stuffed, put them in an oven dish with their lids on and cook for 45 minutes at 190°C. Remove from the oven and serve with the lid still resting on top of the filling. Your stuffed courgettes are ready!

Tips
To avoid a poor outcome when cooking your stuffed courgettes, be careful not to make them too thin when scooping out the insides.
Trivia
The original recipe for stuffed courgettes is native to a region where the cuisine is light and healthy: Liguria.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Stuffed Zucchini with Ground Meat and Mint

One of the tastiest variations of Stuffed Zucchini is the one that uses ground meat and fresh mint, a combination that brings freshness and flavor to the dish. To prepare this version, you start by softening the breadcrumbs in milk, then mix in chopped spring onions, ground meat, and mint. The combination of these ingredients gives a unique and enveloping flavor, perfect for a family lunch or a dinner with friends. Once stuffed, the zucchinis can be baked until golden, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a delicious crust. Don't forget to save the zucchini tops to use as a decorative lid, making the dish not only tasty but also beautiful to look at.

Venetian Stuffed Zucchini

The culinary tradition of Veneto offers a particular variation of Stuffed Zucchini, which stands out for the use of typical regional ingredients. In this preparation, the zucchinis are stuffed not only with ground meat but also with local aromatic herbs and typical cheeses. The cooking takes place in the oven, but it is also possible to cook the stuffed zucchinis in a stew, allowing the flavors to intensify further. This recipe is perfect for those who want to savor the authentic tastes of Venetian cuisine, bringing to the table a dish that tells the gastronomic tradition of this region. Serve them with a side of polenta or a fresh tomato sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

Light Stuffed Zucchini without Meat

For those looking for a lighter alternative to Stuffed Zucchini, it is possible to prepare them without meat, using instead a filling based on vegetables and low-fat cheese. In this version, you can replace the ground meat with a mix of chopped zucchini, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful filling. This recipe not only reduces calories but also offers a dish rich in nutrients and vitamins, ideal for those following a healthy diet. The light stuffed zucchinis can be baked, keeping their fresh and light flavors intact. Serve them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of pepper to further enhance the taste.

Benefits of Stuffed Zucchini: Health and Nutrition

Zucchini, the main ingredient of this recipe, is a vegetable rich in beneficial properties. They contain few calories, about 17 per 100 grams, and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. Thanks to their high water content, zucchinis help maintain hydration and are perfect for low-calorie diets. The presence of mint not only enriches the dish with flavor but also offers digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Preparing Stuffed Zucchini means choosing a dish that combines taste and health, ideal for those who want to take care of their well-being without giving up the pleasure of good cooking.

Can Stuffed Zucchini be Frozen?

Yes, Stuffed Zucchini can be frozen, but it is important to follow some guidelines to preserve their flavor and texture. After cooking, let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It is advisable to freeze them without additional seasonings, so they can be reheated later without compromising quality. When you want to consume them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours and then reheat them in the oven or microwave. This method allows you to always have a tasty and nutritious meal ready in just a few minutes.