These Calabacitas Rellenas are a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender zucchini stuffed with savory ground beef, simmered in a rich chile tomato sauce, and topped with melted cheese. Packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this homemade recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve with Mexican rice for a delicious and satisfying meal everyone will love.

Preparation

1. In large saucepot, heat 8 cups water to a boil over high heat. Add zucchini and cook 6 minutes or until tender; drain and run under cold water until cool enough to handle. With small spoon, leaving about 1/2-inch wall, scoop out and discard inside portion of each zucchini half.

2. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and 1/2 the onion; cook 5 minutes or until starting to brown, stirring occasionally. Add 2 garlic cloves, pepper, cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 3 minutes or until beef is browned, breaking up beef with side of spoon and stirring frequently.

3. In separate large skillet, cook tomatoes, chiles, bouillon powder, oregano, 3 cups water, and remaining 1/2 the onion and 2 garlic cloves over high heat 10 minutes or until chiles are softened; transfer to blender and purée on high until smooth. Transfer tomato mixture to same skillet; heat to a simmer over medium heat. Makes about 4 cups sauce.

4. Fill zucchini halves with beef mixture. In 2 batches, if necessary, add zucchini to sauce in skillet and sprinkle with cheese; cover and cook 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and zucchini is tender.

5. Serve stuffed zucchini and sauce with Mexican rice, if desired. Makes 8 stuffed zucchini halves.

This recipe and more can be found on https://vallartasupermarkets.com/en/recipes.