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Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

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Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • - 4 medium-sized zucchinis
  • - 1-1.3 pounds lean ground turkey
  • - 1 small onion finely diced
  • - 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • - 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • - 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • - 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz, drained
  • - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • - 1 teaspoon paprika
  • - 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • - Olive oil or butter for sautéing
  • - Fresh herbs for garnish (optiona

Instructions
 

  • Cooking Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the zucchinis by cutting them in half lengthwise and scooping out the flesh with a spoon, creating a hollow cavity while leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edges. Set the hollowed zucchinis aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and crushed garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. If desired, you can also add chopped mushrooms at this stage for extra flavor.
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks for even browning.
  • Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the drained diced tomatoes, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
  • Spoon the turkey mixture into the hollowed zucchinis, packing it slightly to guarantee they're well-filled. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish, and cover the dish with foil to help retain moisture during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. In the last few minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed zucchinis. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, remove the stuffed zucchinis from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
  • For best results, consider customizing the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese or add additional vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers or spinach.
  • If you have leftover filling, don't hesitate to use it in other dishes like tacos or as a topping for salads. This dish is versatile and can easily be adjusted to accommodate dietary needs or preferences. Enjoy your healthy and delicious turkey stuffed zucchinis!