Zucchini-Beef Italienne

Just in case your veggie drawer in your fridge looks something like the above picture, here is another recipe for all of those zucchini's. My zucchini plants are finally slowing down a bit so I am ready to move on to other veggies. I love this recipe and haven't made it in a while. The red wine in it is optional but it definitely gives it a better flavor. Don't cut it out unless you have to. I use the California red table wine.

Zucchini Beef Italienne

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, chopped or pressed

3 8oz cans tomato sauce

1 cup red table wine

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp allspice

1 bay leaf, crumbled

seasoned salt and pepper to taste

1 4 oz can sliced mushrooms , drained or 1 heaping cup fresh mushrooms, simmered, covered in 1/4 cup 5 minutes and drained

2-3 small to medium zucchini

1/4 pound shredded mozzarella cheese

2 Tbl grated Parmesan cheese

Saute beef, onion and garlic until meat is browned. Drain. Add tomato sauce, wine and seasonings. Mix well , cover and simmer gently 1 hour, stirring frequently. Add mushrooms. (This makes a great sauce for lasagna) While meat sauce is cooking, wash zucchini , slice in 1 inch chunks and steam very lightly so they are still firm. You want enough zucchini to line the bottom of the 9X13 pan. Arrange in a single layer in sprayed pan. Sprinkle zucchini with mozzarella cheese, pour meat sauce over it, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

*****FYI......I am going to start little chef cooking classes in 4 week blocks beginning in August. I will start a new block every month and they will be on Monday's from 3:30 to 5:00. Each month will be something different so you may sign up for multiple months if you desire. I will keep the classes to 9 students. The cost for the month is $55 that includes all supplies. Ages 7-12 are welcome. $10 off to subsequent family members. I will email all recipes to you ahead of that weeks class so you can have the ingredients on hand for your little chef to come home and cook dinner for you or breakfast the next day! This will help them put their skills to work! Email me if you would like a spot. I love these classes!