Stuffed Zucchini Boats

1 lb. ground chuck browned, drained and rinsed*
1-2 jars spaghetti sauce

1+ c. mozzarella cheese, shredded (depending on how much you like)

garlic, minced
1/4 t. of salt
1/4 t. of pepper
Parmesan cheese, fresh or canned

Italian seasoning, to taste
large yellow or green zucchini or squash, sliced long ways

Pepperoni slices, I used turkey pepperoni

½ c. ricotta cheese, optional

½ c. bread crumbs, optional

Preheat oven to 350. Slice and clean seeds out of zucchini. Scoop out the flesh to 1/2 inch. Dice zucchini flesh and place in a bowl with garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan, bread crumbs, mozzarella, and 1 jar of sauce. Add the meat. Add ricotta, Pour more sauce in sprayed baking pan. Place the zucchini on top of the sauce. Spoon the meat mixture on top of the zucchini boats. Pour sauce on top and sprinkle with more mozzarella. Bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle more Parmesan and bake 15 more minutes. If it starts to get too brown, cover with aluminum foil and finish baking.

*ground sausage could be used instead

1st picture is before sauce and cheese is added; 2nd picture is after baking. They were delicious!