Cheesy Zucchini Bake

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 – 4oz can green chilies
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1-2 zucchinis, julienned
1-2 yellow squash, julienned
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2-1 lb. cheddar jack cheese, shredded
1 medium tomato, diced
salt & pepper to taste

In skillet, brown ground beef and saute onion, garlic, and green chilies. In a two-quart casserole dish, layer half of ground beef, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, shredded cheese and tomatoes. Repeat for second layer, using remaining ingredients.
Place 9″ bake liner over the top of casserole dish; then cover tightly with foil. Place dish on top of turkey lifter. Place trivet in pressure cooker cooker and add 2 cups water. Bring to boil. Using the turkey lifter, place dish on trivet in the pressure cooker. Place pressure lid on the pan and bring to second red ring. Pressure for 8-10 minutes allow pressure to drop on its own.

The Ultimate Stuffed Zucchini

4 medium zucchini, washed
2 Tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil
2 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch cubes or smaller
1 medium yellow or red onion, chopped fine
4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
3 medium Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/3 cup shredded fresh basil leaves or 1 tablespoon dried, or Italian Seasoning
6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)

Prep: chop potatoes, tomatoes, onions and garlic first, then preheat oven while scooping out zucchini

1. Adjust one oven rack to upper-middle position and second oven rack to lowest position, then place a rimmed baking sheet on each rack and heat oven to 400 degrees or Hi Broil.
2. Meanwhile, halve each zucchini lengthwise. With a small spoon, scoop out the seeds and most of the flesh so that the walls of the zucchini are about 1/4-inch thick all the way around. Season the cut sides of the zucchini with salt and pepper, Misto lightly with olive oil. Set the zucchini halves cut-side down on the hot baking sheet that has been preheating on the lower rack.
3. Meanwhile in a bowl, Misto the potatoes with olive oil, salt, ad pepper to taste, and spread in a single layer on the hot baking sheet that has been preheating on the upper rack.
4. Roast the zucchini until slightly softened and skins are slightly wrinkled, about 10 minutes while simultaneously roasting the potatoes until they are tender and lightly browned, 12 to 14 minutes.
5. When the zucchini has finished baking, remove it from the oven and using tongs, flip the zucchini halves over on the baking sheet and set aside.
6. While the zucchini and potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cooked potatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 3 minutes.
7. Off the heat, stir in the basil, 1/2 cup cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
8. Divide filling evenly among the zucchini halves on the baking sheet, spooning about 1/2 cup into each, and packing it lightly; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
9. Return the baking sheet to the oven, this time to the upper rack, and bake the zucchini until heated through and cheese is spotty brown, about 6 minutes. Serve immediately!

Notes: (11-19-12) Big C ate 2, little C even ate 1. Red onions were a little too strong; use yellow or white. Cut potatoes a little smaller so they fit inside the zucchini. Use less oil in skillet – could almost taste a little too much last time.