Stuffed* Zucchini

Maybe where you live zucchini is sparse, but here you'll have a carload of it if you leave your doors unlocked at church. Anyway, here's a great way to put this yummy squash to use.

Here's what you'll need:
1 cup rice (cook according to package directions)
1 onion, chopped
1 lb ground beef
2-8 oz cans tomato sauce (or 1-15 oz can)
1 clove garlic, minced
coarse salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 large zucchini squash
grated cheddar cheese (or cheese slices)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Start with 2 large zucchini squash and halve them lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds to make a "boat." Place on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Next, take one pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion and 1 clove minced garlic. Brown them and drain off excess fat.

Stir in tomato sauce, salt and pepper and oregano. Mix well.

Stir in the cooked rice. Then scoop the meat mixture into the squash boats. Add hot water to the bottom of the baking sheet and cover squash with foil. Bake at 350 degrees until zucchini is tender, about 45-60 minutes. (I usually check it after about 30 minutes and go from there.) Remove from oven and sprinkle with grated cheddar. Return to oven just until cheese is melted.

I apologize that I have to picture of the final product...um, we were really, really hungry here that night. Just imagine the above picture with a more translucent squash and covered in melted cheese. Enjoy!

*As an alternative to stuffing the larger, more mature zucchini, I've also done this stovetop style. Use 2-3 young zucchini and slice them into 1/2" half moons. Cook beef in a large, deep skillet and add zucchini during that stage. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer until heated through. Top with cheese and cover with lid until cheese is melted.