This Baked Stuffed Zucchini with Mince, Feta, and Olives is a delicious, savory dish packed with flavorful seasoned mince, fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Baked to perfection and topped with melted soft cheese, this dish is perfect for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 400g (0.88 lbs) minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 5 zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Sliced olives (black or green), to taste
- 3 fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 100g (0.22 lbs) feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g (0.11 lbs) soft cheese (mozzarella, ricotta, or cream cheese)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Mince Filling
- Heat sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced meat, season with salt, black pepper, and oregano, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped red onion and sauté for 2 minutes until soft.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, creating a hollow for stuffing.
- Finely chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetable Mix
- In a bowl, mix chopped zucchini flesh, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, sliced olives, and chopped mint leaves.
- Stir in the cooked mince mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Zucchini
- Place the zucchini halves on a baking tray.
- Fill each zucchini half with the mince and vegetable mixture.
- Crumble feta cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the First Round
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Add Soft Cheese & Final Bake
- After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and top each zucchini with soft cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Serve with a fresh Greek salad.
- Enjoy with tzatziki or a garlic yogurt dip.
- Serve with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Cooking Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the mince with oregano, garlic, and a splash of olive oil before cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, replace mince with lentils or mushrooms.
- Use different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.
- For crispier zucchini, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Nutritional Benefits
- Zucchini is low in calories & rich in fiber.
- Mince provides protein & iron.
- Tomatoes add antioxidants & vitamins.
- Feta cheese adds calcium & a tangy flavor.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free
- Keto-friendly (low-carb)
- Can be made vegetarian by replacing mince with mushrooms or lentils
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare & packed with Mediterranean flavors.
- A healthier alternative to stuffed pasta or baked casseroles.
- Perfect for meal prep & great for leftovers.
- Rich, cheesy, and full of savory goodness.
Conclusion
This Baked Stuffed Zucchini with Mince, Feta, and Olives is a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a delicious crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a healthy, homemade stuffed zucchini dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Turkey is a leaner alternative.
- How do I make this spicier? Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, just drain excess liquid.
- What’s the best cheese substitute for feta? Try goat cheese or ricotta.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
- Can I use different herbs? Yes! Basil, thyme, or parsley work well.
- Can I meal prep this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the zucchini and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I add rice to the filling? Yes! Cooked rice makes it heartier.
- How do I make the zucchini softer? Pre-bake the zucchini halves for 5 minutes before stuffing.