### Beef and Bulgur Stuffed Zucchini Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Option
**Introduction**
Looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal? Try our Beef and Bulgur Stuffed Zucchini recipe! This dish is not only packed with flavor but also rich in nutrients. It's perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals.
**Ingredients**
- 4 large zucchinis
- 1 cup of cooked bulgur (or quinoa)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (about 14 oz)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Steps**
#### Step 1: Prepare the Zucchinis
1. **Wash and Cut:** Rinse zucchinis under cold water to remove any dirt or residue.
2. **Cut Lengthwise:** Use a sharp knife to cut each zucchini lengthwise into two halves, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
#### Step 2: Cook Bulgur (or Quinoa)
1. Follow package instructions for cooking bulgur or quinoa until it is tender and fluffy.
2. Fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Beef Mixture
1. **Heat Oil:** In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Add Onions and Garlic:** Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
3. **Cook Ground Beef:** Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until it is browned and no longer pink.
4. **Seasoning:** Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juice), oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.
#### Step 4: Combine Ingredients
1. **Mix Bulgur with Beef Mixture:** Add the cooled bulgur or quinoa to the beef mixture; stir until well combined.
2. **Stuff Zucchinis:** Spoon the beef and bulgur mixture into each zucchini half, filling them almost to the top.
#### Step 5: Bake
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place stuffed zucchinis in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. **Bake:** Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the beef mixture has browned.
#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
1. **Garnish:** Sprinkle chopped parsley over each stuffed zucchini before serving.
2. **Serve Warm:** Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish warm as a main course for dinner.
**Tips and Variations**
- For an extra burst of flavor, use a mix of ground beef and finely chopped bell peppers.
- To make the recipe vegetarian or vegan, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and season it similarly to the beef mixture.
This Beef and Bulgur Stuffed Zucchini is a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit any dietary needs. Enjoy this nutritious, delicious meal!