Delightful Gluten-Free Stuffed Marrow Recipe
There is nothing like growing your own vegetables and using them in tasty easy recipes like this gluten-free stuffed marrow.
I am excited to share a scrumptious gluten-free stuffed marrow recipe that’s sure to become a family favourite.
As someone who’s always on the hunt for tasty, safe options, I stumbled upon this gem and couldn’t wait to share it with you.
It’s a brilliant way to use up those giant marrows from your garden or local market, and it’s packed with flavour to boot!
This recipe is very versatile and can be made with or without meat. You can add whatever vegetables you like.
Table of Contents
What you’ll love about this recipe
- It’s naturally gluten-free, so no need to worry about hidden gluten
- It’s a great way to use up those oversized marrows from your garden
- The recipe is versatile – you can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste
- It’s a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for cooler evenings
- You can prepare it in advance, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Ingredients
Marrow: You’ll need 1 large marrow, about 1kg in weight. If you can’t find a marrow, a large courgette will do the trick.
Meat: 250g of grass-fed minced beef is the star of our stuffing. Choose lean mince for a healthier option.
Vegetables: Grab 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and a red chilli. These will add a lovely depth of flavour to your stuffing.
Tomatoes: You’ll need 400g of chopped tomatoes. I like to use tinned ones for convenience.
Herbs and Spices: 1 tsp dried mixed herbs and salt and pepper to taste will give your dish a lovely flavour boost.
Breadcrumbs: Use 2-3 slices of gluten-free bread to make the whole recipe come together.
Cheese: 100g of grated chilli cheddar cheese will create a deliciously golden, crispy topping.
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). While it’s heating up, prepare your marrow. Cut it in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds. Pop it on a baking tray, the cut side up.
Now, let’s make the stuffing. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add your minced beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, then drain off any excess fat.
Add your chopped onion, garlic, and chilli to the pan with the beef. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This will give your stuffing a lovely flavour base.
Next, tip in the chopped tomatoes and mixed herbs. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavours meld together beautifully.
Next, whizz up your slices of gluten-free bread to make your breadcrumbs. Mix this into your meat base.
Once your stuffing is ready, spoon it generously into the hollowed-out marrow halves. Don’t be shy – really pile it in there!
Finally, sprinkle your grated cheese over the top of the stuffing. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the marrow is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
What to serve with Gluten-Free Stuffed Marrow
This hearty stuffed marrow is a meal in itself, but if you fancy rounding it out, there are plenty of options. A crisp, green salad makes a lovely light accompaniment and adds a nice freshness to the plate.
If you’re after something a bit more substantial, why not whip up some gluten-free garlic bread? It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover tomato sauce.
For a real comfort food feast, serve your stuffed marrow with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, use milk or cream to make them melt in the mouth..
Ready to make your own gluten-free stuffed marrow? Then let’s go:
Delightful Gluten-Free Stuffed Marrow Recipe
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping Board
- Frying pan
- Baking tray
- Garlic Crusher
- Cheese grater
- Tin Opener
Ingredients
- 1 Large marrow (Can serve two people)
- 250 g Minced beef (9 ounces - you can leave this out to make it vegetarian and add rice)
- 1 Medium onion finely sliced
- 2 Cloves of garlic crushed
- 1 Green or red chili (depends on how hot you like things, I added red chilli flakes also)
- 400 g Tin of chopped tomatoes (14 ounces, you can use fresh if you like)
- Gluten free breadcrumbs (I used two slices of bread)
- Cheese to top (I used Mexicana)
Instructions
- Cut the marrow in half longways and preroast for about 20 minutes at 200℃ (Gas 6).
- Once the marrow is cool, scrape out the middle and put it to one side.
- Fry an onion until soft, then add the beef (if using) and fry it until cooked.
- Then add the crushed garlic, chili, tomatoes, and marrow (which you scraped out), then fry it until fully cooked.
- Season the marrow with salt & pepper.
- Make the bread into fine crumbs and grate the cheese in, then sprinkle over the top of the marrow.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 200℃.
- Serve the marrow with garlic bread.
Nutrition
If you like my gluten-free stuffed marrow recipe, then you might want to check out these 👇
- Gluten-free stuffed peppers
- Gluten-free courgette slice
- Gluten-free courgette and spring onion omelette
- Gluten-free mushroom pasta
Gluten-free stuffed marrow recipe tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of my gluten-free stuffed marrow recipe:
Choose the Right Marrow: (Zucchini)
Use a large marrow (around 1kg) for stuffing, or substitute with a large courgette if unavailable. Homegrown marrows can have thicker skins, so peel if necessary for tenderness.
Prepare the Marrow Properly
Slice the marrow lengthways and scoop out the seeds and pulp to create a hollow for the filling. Pre-roasting the marrow halves for about 15-20 minutes at 180-200°C softens them before stuffing.
Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
To bind the stuffing and add texture, use gluten-free breadcrumbs made from gluten-free bread or process leftover gluten-free bread into crumbs. This helps hold the filling together and adds a lovely bite.
Versatile Fillings
You can opt for meat-based fillings like minced beef or sausage meat, or go vegetarian/vegan with beans, lentils, or meat-free alternatives. Adding vegetables such as onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes boosts flavour and nutrition.
Season Well
Incorporate herbs and spices such as dried mixed herbs, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, or chilli flakes to enhance the taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning.
Cheese Topping
A grated cheese topping like cheddar or chilli cheddar adds a golden, crispy finish when baked. For vegan options, nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives work well.
Baking Tips
After stuffing, bake the marrow at around 180-200°C for 30-40 minutes until the marrow is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Cover with foil initially if needed, then remove to crisp the topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh green salad, gluten-free garlic bread, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. For lighter options, pair with rice or steamed vegetables.
Advance Preparation
You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and assemble just before baking, making it convenient for busy days.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Ensure all ingredients and utensils are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease[.
These tips will help you create a delicious, safe, and satisfying gluten-free stuffed marrow that can be tailored to your taste and dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stuffed marrow naturally gluten-free?
Yes, marrow itself is naturally gluten-free. However, the stuffing ingredients, such as breadcrumbs or processed meats, must be gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.
What ingredients can I use for the stuffing?
Common stuffing ingredients include minced beef or sausage meat, onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes, herbs, and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Vegetarian or vegan options often use lentils, Quorn mince, or beans with vegetables and nuts.
Can I make stuffed marrow without meat?
Absolutely. You can substitute meat with lentils, Quorn mince, or other plant-based proteins to create a vegetarian or vegan version.
How do I prepare the marrow for stuffing?
Cut the marrow in half lengthways, scoop out the seeds and pulp to create a hollow, and pre-roast it for 15-20 minutes to soften before filling.
What type of gluten-free breadcrumbs work best?
You can make your own gluten-free breadcrumbs by processing gluten-free bread or use store-bought gluten-free breadcrumbs. Some recipes also use ground almonds for a paleo-friendly alternative.
How long and at what temperature should I bake stuffed marrow?
Bake at around 180-200°C (fan 160°C, gas mark 6) for 30-40 minutes until the marrow is tender and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
Can I prepare stuffed marrow in advance?
Yes, the stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and assembled just before baking, which is convenient for busy days.
What should I serve with gluten-free stuffed marrow?
It pairs well with a crisp green salad, gluten-free garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or seasonal roasted vegetables.
How do I avoid cross-contamination when making gluten-free stuffed marrow?
Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces dedicated to gluten-free cooking. Avoid wooden utensils that may harbour gluten and wash hands thoroughly before handling ingredients.
Can I freeze stuffed marrow?
While not explicitly stated in the sources, generally, stuffed marrow can be frozen after baking, but texture may change slightly. It’s best to freeze before baking if possible, then cook from frozen.
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments
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Hearty and flavorful—definitely a cozy dinner option.
I wasn’t sure about marrow until this—total game changer.
This was a great way to use up a giant marrow from the garden—super tasty and filling.
This was a great way to use up a giant marrow from the garden—super tasty and filling.
This stuffed marrow is hearty and flavorful; a great way to enjoy seasonal produce.
I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful and filling this dish is; a great way to enjoy marrow.