Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow

The Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow is a comforting and flavour-packed dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. With its golden baked top, rich filling, and tender marrow, it’s a hearty meal that works perfectly for family dinners or special gatherings. The preparation may take some time, but the end result is worth every effort. In under 1 hour, you’ll have a satisfying dish on the table that brings a rustic British charm to your menu.

What is Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow?

Stuffed marrow is a traditional British dish where marrow (a large summer squash similar to zucchini) is hollowed out and filled with a savoury stuffing. Jamie Oliver’s take on this recipe combines simple ingredients with robust seasonings, making it a wholesome, comforting, and filling main meal.

Other Popular Recipes

• Hairy Bikers Stuffed Marrow
• Mary Berry Stuffed Courgettes
• Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney
• Jamie Oliver Green Tomato Chutney

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Perfect family meal – One marrow can feed multiple people, making it budget-friendly.
• Packed with flavour – The stuffing is rich, savoury, and well-seasoned.
• Customisable dish – You can easily swap in different fillings to suit your taste.
• Visually impressive – The golden baked marrow looks beautiful on the table.
• Nutritious choice – Marrows are low in calories yet high in fibre and vitamins.

Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow

• 1 large marrow
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 400g minced beef or lamb
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 75g grated cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large sharp knife
• Spoon (for scooping out seeds)
• Frying pan
• Baking tray
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow

Step 1: Prepare the marrow

Cut the marrow in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds and soft centre with a spoon. Lightly brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the filling

Heat olive oil in a frying pan, add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced meat and cook until browned.

Step 3: Add the flavours

Mix in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Fill the marrow

Spoon the mixture into the hollowed marrow halves, pressing it down gently.

Step 5: Add the topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake until golden

Place the stuffed marrow halves on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes until the marrow is tender and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving hot.

What to Serve With Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow

• Fresh green salad – A crisp salad balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic bread slices – Perfect for mopping up the sauce.
• Creamy mashed potatoes – Adds extra comfort to the meal.
• Steamed vegetables – Keep it light with broccoli, peas, or beans.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow

• Choose a firm marrow – A fresh, firm marrow will hold its shape during baking.
• Pre-bake the marrow – If your marrow is very thick, roast it for 10 minutes before stuffing.
• Drain excess liquid – Let the meat mixture reduce well, so it doesn’t make the marrow soggy.
• Season generously – Marrow is mild in flavour, so don’t be shy with herbs and spices.
• Add a cheese mix – Use a blend of cheddar and parmesan for extra flavour.
• Experiment with fillings – Try sausage meat, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.

What are the Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow

• Vegetarian version – Swap minced meat for lentils or quinoa with vegetables.
• Mediterranean style – Add olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spicy kick – Stir in chilli flakes or fresh chilli to the filling.
• Cheesy delight – Top with mozzarella instead of cheddar for a gooey finish.

How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow

• In the fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the freezer – Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best texture – Freeze before baking, then bake fresh when needed.

How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow

• In the oven – Reheat at 170°C (340°F) for 15–20 minutes.
• In the microwave – Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes until hot.
• From frozen – Bake directly from frozen at 160°C (320°F) for 40–45 minutes.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow Healthier?

You can make this recipe lighter by using lean minced meat or replacing it with plant-based mince. Reduce the cheese topping or switch to a low-fat variety. For added nutrients, mix in finely chopped vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or spinach into the stuffing.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fibre: 6g

FAQs

How do you prepare marrow for stuffing?

To prepare marrow for stuffing, cut it lengthways and scoop out the soft centre and seeds with a spoon. Brushing the inside with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper before adding the filling helps the marrow cook evenly and enhances the flavour.

Should I cook the marrow before stuffing it?

If your marrow is particularly large or has thick flesh, pre-bake it for about 10 minutes in the oven before adding the filling. This ensures the marrow becomes tender without overcooking the stuffing.

How do you stop stuffed marrow from going watery?

To stop stuffed marrow from turning watery, allow the meat mixture to reduce until most of the liquid has evaporated. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs inside the marrow before stuffing to absorb any excess moisture.

Can I make stuffed marrow ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare stuffed marrow ahead of time by assembling it with the filling and refrigerating it, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it directly in the oven, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.

Final Words

The Jamie Oliver Stuffed Marrow is a fantastic way to turn a simple vegetable into a show-stopping meal. With its hearty filling, golden cheesy crust, and versatile flavour options, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation. Try it once, and you’ll see how easily it becomes a family favourite.

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