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Budget Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Budget Ground Beef Rice Zucchini Stuffed Recipe

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A delicious and nutrient-dense meal using simple ingredients to create a satisfying dinner. These zesty ground beef boats combine lean, savory, cumin-spiced beef with fluffy rice, all nestled inside fresh zucchini that acts as a tender, steam-filled vessel. This healthy, cost-effective recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a balanced, restaurant-quality meal that fits any budget.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (85/15)
2 large zucchini
1 cup cooked white rice
1/4 cup onion, finely minced
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the center to create a, boat, using a spoon.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the minced onions and cumin seeds.
Once the beef is browned and the onions are soft, stir in the cooked white rice and beef broth.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Fill each hollowed-out zucchini boat with the beef and rice mixture.
Place the boats in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through.

Notes

Using day-old rice helps maintain better structural integrity in the filling. Ensure the zucchini are straight for an even bake. You can sprinkle a little cheese on top if desired, though the recipe is delicious and balanced as is.