Slow Cooker Stuffed Zucchini

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Zucchini - 8 medium-sized, about 2 pounds (900 grams)
2. Ground meat (beef or pork) - 1 pound (450 grams)
3. Rice - 1 cup (cooked)
4. Onion - 1 large, chopped
5. Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
6. Tomato sauce - 1 cup
7. Cheddar cheese - 1 cup, shredded
8. Salt and pepper - to taste
9. Fresh herbs (optional) - such as basil, oregano, etc.

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 4-6 hours (slow cooker setting)
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours (including preparation)

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the ground meat by adding onion, garlic, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Brown the meat in a pan until cooked through.
2. In the meantime, wash and slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create a cavity for stuffing.
3. Add the cooked ground meat, cooked rice, tomato sauce, and cheese into a bowl and mix well.
4. Fill the zucchini cavities with the meat mixture.
5. Place the stuffed zucchini in a slow cooker and pour a small amount of water around the zucchini (not directly on top).
6. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours until the zucchini is tender and the filling is cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on the given ingredients)

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories per serving (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Comfort food with a creamy, rich flavor.
• Slow-cooked, resulting in tender zucchini and a delicious meat filling.
• Suitable for American taste due to its rich, hearty flavors.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit with my family! The slow cooking process resulted in tender zucchini and an incredibly delicious filling."
2. "I added some chili flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick, which my husband loved. Great recipe!"
3. "I served this as a side dish for a special occasion and it was a perfect complement to the main course."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure the ground meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.
• Do not add too much water in the slow cooker, as this can make the zucchini too soft and disintegrate.
• Adjust seasoning according to preference. If using fresh herbs, they can be added towards the end of cooking to retain their flavor and color.