Tasty Italian Sausage Zucchini (Print Version)
Enjoy zucchini boats packed with sausage, marinara, and mozzarella for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Zucchini Boats
01 -
4 large zucchinis (approximately 900g)
02 -
1.5 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
03 -
1 lb ground Italian sausage (approximately 454g)
04 -
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs
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3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
08 -
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper, divided
09 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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3/4 cup marinara sauce
11 -
1/4 cup bread crumbs
12 -
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the zucchinis and trim off the stems. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to remove the flesh, leaving a rim of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Chop the removed zucchini flesh into small pieces and set aside.
02 -
Place the zucchini halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the interiors with 1/2 tablespoon of oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Pre-bake for 15 minutes until softened, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
03 -
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
04 -
To the skillet, add Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, marinara sauce, breadcrumbs, and half of the reserved chopped zucchini flesh. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
05 -
Fill each pre-baked zucchini half with the sausage mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the filled zucchini boats back onto the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
06 -
Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.
# Notes:
01 -
Pre-baking the zucchini ensures they are tender and ready to absorb the filling's flavors.