Zucchini & Beef Italiano Recipe – Love With Recipes
If you’re craving a flavorful dish that combines the heartiness of beef with the freshness of zucchini, this Zucchini & Beef Italiano recipe is perfect for you. Featuring a rich tomato and red wine sauce, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s an irresistible vegetable-based main course with Italian flair. This dish is simple to prepare, and the combination of textures and flavors will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
Ingredients & Nutritional Information:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (diced) | 1 |
| Ground Sirloin | 1 lb |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 can (approx. 15 oz) |
| Dry Red Wine | 3 tbsp |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 – 1 tsp (to taste) |
| Ground Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Zucchini | 4 medium-sized |
| Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
Nutrition Per Serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 313.4 kcal |
| Fat | 16.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 65.4 mg |
| Sodium | 772.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Sugars | 10.7 g |
| Protein | 22.1 g |
| Servings | 6 |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef & Onion
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Sauté the beef and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sirloin and diced onion. Cook the mixture until the meat is finely crumbled and browned, and the onion becomes soft and tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off and discard any grease from the skillet.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, dry red wine, granulated sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference), and black pepper. These flavors will meld together to create a robust sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the sauce to simmer for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors develop fully.
Step 3: Prepare the Zucchini
- Cook zucchini: While the sauce simmers, wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off both ends. Cook the zucchini whole in a large pot of salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them to hold their shape.
- Cool & cut the zucchini: Once the zucchini is cooked, drain it and let it cool slightly. After it’s cool enough to handle, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise (or into rounds if you prefer smaller pieces).
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Arrange zucchini: Butter a shallow baking dish. Arrange the zucchini halves (or rounds) in a single layer, cut side up, in the prepared dish.
- Add sauce & cheese: Pour the beef-tomato sauce generously over the zucchini. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with Parmesan: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added burst of flavor.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this savory, cheesy goodness with a side of your favorite crusty bread or a light salad.
Note: You can also slice the zucchini into rounds instead of lengthwise for a different presentation or texture.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Zucchini texture: Be careful not to overcook the zucchini during the boiling step. You want them slightly firm so they don’t become mushy during the baking process.
- Wine substitution: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the red wine with beef broth or vegetable broth.
- Cheese lovers: If you’re a fan of extra cheesy goodness, consider doubling the mozzarella for an even richer topping.
- Make it spicier: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
Perfect Pairings:
Serve this hearty dish with any of the following sides:
- Garlic bread: A classic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Simple salad: A fresh arugula or spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette will balance out the rich flavors of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: For an extra dose of veggies, roasted carrots or bell peppers would complement the flavors beautifully.
This Zucchini & Beef Italiano dish is a true comfort food favorite, bringing together the sweetness of zucchini, the richness of beef, and the bold flavors of a red wine tomato sauce. It’s sure to be a hit with your family, and even the leftovers will be something to look forward to!
Keywords:
- Meat
- < 4 Hours
