Zucchini and Cheddar Beef Mugs

Craving a creative and cozy weeknight dinner? Look no further than zucchini and cheddar beef mugs. These single-serving meals feature hearty ground beef mixed with zucchini and sharp cheddar cheese, then baked in an edible mug made of zucchini slices. Topped with fun garnishes like sour cream and chives, they put a playful twist on family dinner. Packed with vegetables and protein, these adorable beef "mugs" will become a fast weeknight favorite.

An Introduction to Zucchini

Zucchini forms both the vessel and filling for these creative meals. Here's an overview of this summer squash:

What is Zucchini?

Zucchini is the immature fruit of squash plants, harvested young before full maturation.

Types

Most common is green zucchini. Yellow (golden) and round varieties are also available.

Peak Season

Zucchini is best during summer months, with prime freshness in May-August.

Uses

Raw in salads, roasted, sautéed, baked into breads, spiralized into noodles, and more.

With its mild flavor and texture, zucchini is very versatile in cooking.

Selecting the Best Ground Beef

Picking the right ground beef ensures these mugs have great flavor and texture. Opt for:

80-90% Lean

Provides sufficient fat for moisture without being overly greasy.

Chuck

Ground chuck offers excellent beefy flavor perfect for these mugs.

Grass-Fed

Lean yet flavorful grass-fed beef makes a nutritious choice.

Ground Sirloin

For a leaner option, ground sirloin works well too.

Wagyu

For ultimate richness, use ground wagyu beef in these mugs.

The right ground beef gives these mugs depth and satisfaction.

Health Benefits of Sharp Cheddar

Aged cheddar cheese adds bold flavor and key nutrients. It provides:

Protein

Needed for building and repairing muscle tissue.

Calcium

Vital for bone health, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.

Vitamin A

Supports immune function and healthy vision.

Vitamin B12

Required for red blood cell formation and brain function.

Phosphorus

Works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.

A little sharp cheddar goes a long way, health wise!

Recipe for Zucchini and Cheddar Beef Mugs

These fun single-serving meals are simple to whip up.

Mug Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Slice zucchinis into 1/4-inch rounds. Brush with oil and season. Bake at 400°F 15 minutes until just tender.
2. Brown beef and onion in a skillet. Drain fat. Stir in cheese and breadcrumbs.
3. Place zucchini slices into 4 ramekins or mugs, overlapping to form walls. Pack beef mixture into zucchini mug.
4. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5. Top with desired garnishes like sour cream, chives, etc. Enjoy!

Let the kids help assemble their own customized mugs for added fun.

Get Creative with Garnishes

Garnishes provide flavor and whimsy. Consider these fun topping ideas:

Sour Cream and Chives

This cooling combo nicely balances the richness.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado provides healthy fats and color contrast.

Pico de Gallo

Fresh salsa adds a punch of garden flavors.

Queso Fresco

Sprinkled fresh cheese contributes tang.

Pickled Jalapeños

Add some spice and crunch with pickled jalapeño rounds.

Have fun decorating individual mugs uniquely!

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with sides like:

Rice or Grains

Cilantro lime rice, quinoa or couscous.

Black Beans

Warm spicy black beans.

Simple Salad

Mixed greens with vinaigrette or Caesar salad.

Quick Pickles

Pickled veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or radishes.

Tortilla Chips

Crunchy corn tortilla chips for scooping.

Pair these fun mugs with Latin-inspired sides.

Conclusion

Zucchini and cheddar beef mugs provide a playful new way to enjoy family dinner. Using fresh zucchini as both edible vessels and mix-in creates a fun, interactive meal. Piping beefy cheddar filling into carved zucchini cups makes for perfect single-serving portions. Feel free to customize each mug with unique garnishes based on individual tastes. Topped with sour cream, salsa, avocado or other goodies, these creative meals put a smile on everyone's face. Make dinnertime fun and wholesome again with zucchini beef mugs!

FAQs

Can you prepare beef mugs in advance?

Yes, assemble the filled mugs then refrigerate up to 1 day before baking. Add 5 minutes to baking time.

What are other substitute fillings?

Ground turkey or pork, shredded chicken, or lentils also work well. Modify seasonings to suit.

Do you need to par-cook zucchini slices first?

Pre-baking helps reduce water content for best texture, but you can skip it if short on time.

Can you use larger zucchini?

Yes, larger zucchini can be sliced lengthwise into thick steaks to hold filling. Adjust bake time.

What other cheese varieties work?

Pepper jack, Monterey jack, Swiss, provolone or fontina make good melty substitutes.

In summary, zucchini and cheddar beef mugs offer a fun, healthy family dinner. Get creative with fillings, seasoning and garnishes to make them your own!