Stuffed Zuccini Boats

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients

• 1 extra large zucchini or 2 large zucchini
• 1 cup rice
• 1 lb hamburger
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1/2 green pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups peeled garden tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup cooking wine
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Recipe

• 1 cook rice according to package directions.
• 2 wash zuccini thoroughly and pat dry. cut in half lenghthwise and scoop out seeds. salt and pepper flesh.
• 3 fry celery, onions, and green pepper in olive oil until translucent.
• 4 add minced garlic and ground beef. cook until beef is browned.
• 5 stir in rest of ingredients except cheeses.
• 6 divide filling among the zuccini and top with mozzarella and sprinkle parmesan on top.
• 7 put boats in a roasting pan or on a cookie sheet and tent loosely with foil. bake at 375 for 45 minutes.
• 8 remove foil and bake an additional 5 to 15 minutes - until zuccini is tender when poked with a fork.