Teresa's Recipes
Zapallitos Rellenos
Zapallitos Rellenos, or Stuffed Zucchini, is a traditional dish from Latin America that beautifully combines the freshness of zucchini with a savory filling of ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices. This hearty meal not only brings a burst of color to your table but also delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience with each bite. It's a perfect way to showcase the bounty of summer produce, making it a beloved dish in many households.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized, halved lengthwise and seeded Zucchini
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, diced Red bell pepper
- 1 large, diced Tomato
- 1 cup Cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 cup (cheddar or mozzarella work well) Grated cheese
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds to create a hollow cavity, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh to hold the filling.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced tomato, cooked rice, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Fill each zucchini half generously with the ground beef mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of each stuffed zucchini, ensuring a delightful cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting dish.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or quinoa and add more vegetables.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices or cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.