Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style Recipe

Experience a taste of the Middle East with these flavorful stuffed zucchini boats! Large garden zucchini are transformed into delicious vessels filled with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices. Topped with a creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce, this dish is a culinary adventure. Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or fragrant rice and your favorite vegetable for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 80 mins

Calories 349.3 kcal

Protein 54g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style

2 large zucchini (approximately 1 pound total)
1 medium onion, chopped
Lean Ground Beef
Short Grain Rice
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Plain Nonfat Yogurt
Egg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced

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How to Make Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut zucchini lengthwise and carefully scoop out seeds, leaving a 1/4-inch border.
Lightly grease two large casserole dishes with cooking spray. Place zucchini halves, cut-side up, in the dishes.
In a large skillet sprayed with cooking spray, sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in cooked rice, parsley, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Spoon the meat mixture into each zucchini boat, mounding it slightly.
Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of each casserole dish.
Cover the dishes tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 45 minutes.
While the zucchini is baking, prepare the yogurt sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together Greek yogurt, egg white, cornstarch, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce comes to a gentle boil and thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Reduce heat to low, stir in minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Remove zucchini from the oven, remove the foil, and pour the yogurt sauce evenly over the stuffed zucchini.
Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the sauce is lightly browned.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

39 g

Sugar

53g

Fat

17g

Carbs

13g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Beef & Red Meat Ground Beef Recipes Mediterranean Gluten Free Summer Recipes Baking

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style?

Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style takes about 100 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 80 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style?

Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style has approximately 349.3 calories per serving, with about 54 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates and 14 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style?

The key ingredients for Stuffed Zucchini Middle East Style are Zucchini, Onion, Lean Ground Beef, Short Grain Rice, Parsley, Allspice. See the full list with measurements above.