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Stuffed Summer Vegetables

Zucchini and small peppers filled with a savory meat and herb stuffing, baked until the tops brown.

Stuffed Summer Vegetables
Photo: Joachim Lesne on Unsplash

About this recipe

The vegetables in the photo are small zucchini and peppers, split and filled, not giant bell peppers. A smaller vegetable cooks through and browns on top.

The filling is a simple mix of meat, onion, herbs, and a little rice so it stays moist in the oven.

Why this recipe works

  • Small vegetables bake evenly.
  • Rice in the filling drinks up the juices.
  • A hot finish browns the tops.

What you’ll need

  • 4 small zucchini
  • 4 small peppers
  • 1/2 pound ground meat
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • + 6 more ingredients and 5 steps…

Variations

  • Use cooked lentils instead of meat.
  • Top with a little cheese for the last 5 minutes.

How to serve

Two or three pieces per person, with the pan juices spooned around them.

Storage and reheating

Cool leftovers within 2 hours and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan or a 325°F oven with a little broth or water so the meat stays moist. Most braises and roasts also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Questions

How long does Stuffed Summer Vegetables take?

About 65 minutes in total: 30 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking. It serves 4.

Is this recipe hard to make?

We rate it medium. Read the full recipe once before you start, set out your ingredients, and follow the steps in order.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Cook it completely, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently the next day — many roasts and braises taste even better.

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