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Home » Recipes » Mains

Unstuffed Zucchini

Modified: Sep 12, 2024 · Published: Aug 15, 2018 by Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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 Unstuffed Zucchini: the perfect quick and easy, one pot weeknight meal. We made cooking time quicker using zucchini zoodles.

Easy unstuffed zucchini made with zucchini zoodles.
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  • Back To School = Back To Busy
  • Recipe Variations:
  • Recipe
  • More Recipe Inspiration

It's almost time for Back To School.  It brings mixed feelings for many of us.  Now we must say goodbye to the lazy days of summer, with its more laid back routine and less of a strict schedule.

Back To School = Back To Busy

Back to school often means we must return to busy weeknights, and the beginning of teams and clubs again.  Sometimes those busy weeknights mean it's a little harder to get dinner on the table for our families.

how to make zoodles

We all want healthy options that don't take too much time and effort to prepare.  And we want delicious dinners that everyone in our family will eat.  Fall's cooler temperatures also mean a return to some of the classic comfort foods.

spiralized Zucchini zoodles recipe

This recipe for Unstuffed Zucchini is ticking all the boxes.  And on top of all that it's a one dish meal -to help with clean up.  If you love zucchini, you should also check out our easy zucchini pancakes.

Unstuffed Zucchini casserole

Traditional stuffed zucchini can take about 1 - 1 ½ hours to prep and cook, but this unstuffed zucchini version should be ready to serve in less than 30 min.  This is perfect for any busy weeknight.  We saved time by using zucchini noodles -zoodles instead of traditional large pieces of zucchini and were able to cut the cook time way back, without sacrificing taste.

Un-stuffed Zucchini casserole recipe

Un-stuffed ZucchiniRecipe Variations:

This recipe is so versatile too.  Sometimes I make it even faster by using leftover rice.  If you are eating low carb, leave out the rice and increase the zucchini.  And you could always switch the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey if you need to.

what to do with zucchini noodles zoodles
salad and bread

Serve this one pot dish with a salad and some bread for the perfect quick weeknight meal.  

Recipe

Easy unstuffed zucchini made with zucchini zoodles.

Unstuffed Zucchini

Quick and easy zucchini noodles with beef and tomato sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 422kcal
Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 teaspoon oil -divided
  • ½ cup uncooked rice or about 1 cup cooked leftover rice
  • ½ green pepper
  • ½ yellow pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Begin by browning the ground beef in 1 teaspoon of oil in the Dutch oven on medium heat on your stovetop. Once browned remove the meat and set aside.
  • If you are not using leftover rice, make your instant rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
  • While the beef is browning, dice the onion, and peppers. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic cloves. Using the spiral vegetable slicer, turn your zucchini into zoodles using the thick julienne setting.
  • Using the Dutch oven on medium heat, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil and sauté the onion, garlic, mushrooms and peppers for about 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, and the Italian seasoning. Add in the zucchini zoodles and cook until they are slightly soft, but not mushy for about 5 minutes. When the zucchini zoodles begin to lay flat they are about ready. Don't over cook -remember they will cook a little longer under the broiler.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and add back in the browned beef, the cooked rice, and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
  • Add grated cheese to the top of the dish, and place in the oven on the top rack on the broil setting to melt the cheese. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn, depending on the oven might take up to 5 minutes. Remove when the cheese is melted and bubbling. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 626mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LifeisaParty or tag #lifeisaparty!

With Unstuffed Zucchini for a busy weeknight dinner, life really is a party!

how to make quick and easy stuffed Zucchini

More Recipe Inspiration

Check out our Easy Stuffed Zucchini with Ground Beef and Rice recipe here.

Easy Stuffed Zucchini: this easy recipe is made with ground beef and rice for a quick, healthy and hearty dinner.

You might also like our Mom's Easy Lasagna Recipe here.

Also check out our Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe here.

Butter Chicken Pizza: use frozen naan bread and jarred butter chicken sauce from the grocery store, for this quick and easy butter chicken pizza recipe.

You might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe here.

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    Easy Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna Recipe
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    Rainbow Grilled Cheese Recipe
  • Easy recipe for Swedish meatball sauce with meatballs in a skillet.
    Easy Recipe for Swedish Meatball Sauce
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    Braised Beef Ragu Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist says

    October 23, 2024 at 11:52 am

    5 stars
    This is the perfect and quick and delicious meal when you want a hearty dish to enjoy with family.

5 from 1 vote

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