Meat Loaf Stuffed Zucchini

Here's a great way to use that summer squash or zucchini that hid out and grew too big.  Stuff it with your favorite meat loaf recipe and bake it about 1 hour at 375 degrees.  Here's my recipe:

Meat Loaf Stuffed Zucchini

2 c. Lean Ground Beef

1 medium Onion, minced

2 stalks Celery, minced

2 T. Butter

1 c. Bread Crumbs

1 - 2 t. ground Sage, depending on taste

1/2 t. Onion Powder

1/2 t. Garlic Powder

1/2 t. Salt

1/4 t. Pepper

1/2 c. Ketchup

1 Egg

1 Large Zucchini or Summer Squash (12-20 inches long), seeds removed

In a large mixing bowl, mix meat and bread crumbs together well.  Place onion and celery with butter in the microwave and cook about 3 minutes until soft.  Add them to the meat mixture.  Mix seasonings, ketchup and egg together well and add to the meat mixture.  Combine well.  Salt and pepper the squash and stuff it with the meat loaf mixture. 

 Place them in a baking dish with about 1/2 inch of water in the bottom of the pan.  

Bake, covered, at 375 degrees F. about one hour or until the squash is done.

Here they are, fresh from the oven and steaming hot!  This is delicious with a Cucumber & Onion salad.

Cucumber and Onion Salad

1 - 2 sweet, mild Onions, chopped rough

1 English Cucumber, peeled or unpeeled, according to taste

1/2 c. Sour Cream

2 T. Balsamic Vinegar

Place the sour cream in a cup or bowl.....

and add the vinegar.

Mix well and set aside.

Rough chop the cucumber and  

place in a small bowl.

Chop the onion,

roughly, in bite-sized chunks;

add salt and pepper to taste.

Combine all with the salad dressing....

and you have a lovely summer treat to go with your meat loaf and squash!  Enjoy!