Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 Zucchini (medium size)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 1 egg (for binding)
• Breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes (optional for topping)

Preparation Time: 2 hours (including preparation and cooking time)

Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp using a spoon or small melon baller.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the egg to bind the mixture.
4. Fill the zucchini boats with the ground beef mixture.
5. Place the filled boats on a baking sheet and top with breadcrumbs or cornflakes (optional).
6. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
7. Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Based on average values, may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving (assuming a small-medium appetizer size serving)
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Protein: 20-30g (depending on the amount of ground beef used)

Dish Characteristics:

• A unique combination of zucchini and ground beef, offering a creative dish with a fusion of flavors.
• The dish is hearty and flavorful, with the sweetness of the zucchini balancing out the rich meat filling.
• It's a great dish for colder weather as it provides warmth and comfort food.

User Comments:

1. "The combination of flavors was amazing! The zucchini boats were tender and the meat filling was delicious."
2. "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The preparation was quite involved but the result was well worth it."
3. "I made this dish for my family and they loved it! It's a great way to use up leftover ground beef."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. Start with the listed amount and add more seasoning if needed.
• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If using frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw completely before using.