Zucchini boats are the perfect combination of healthy and hearty—fresh zucchini stuffed with a rich, savory beef filling, baked to perfection, and topped with melty cheese. This dish is satisfying, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a light yet filling dinner or a creative way to enjoy zucchini, these beef-stuffed zucchini boats are a must-try!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is a great alternative to heavier meals.
- Easy to Customize: Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives.
- Full of Flavor: A perfect balance of spices, tender meat, and gooey cheese.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week!
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love this cheesy, beefy goodness.
Ingredients in Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Zucchini: The base of the dish, hollowed out to hold the flavorful filling.
- Ground Beef: Provides a rich, hearty filling—use lean beef for a healthier option.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth and flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Brings everything together with a touch of tangy sweetness.
- Spices: A mix of cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for that perfect seasoning.
- Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, adding a deliciously gooey texture.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil for a final burst of freshness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy border. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set it aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then stir in the chopped zucchini flesh, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Stuff the Zucchini: Spoon the beef mixture into each hollowed-out zucchini half, pressing it in evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a gooey, golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the zucchini boats in the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and enjoy!
How to Serve Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve these zucchini boats with a grain of your choice.
- With Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread makes for a satisfying pairing.
- As a Standalone Meal: These are packed with enough protein and flavor to enjoy on their own!
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Zucchini: The firmer the zucchini, the better it holds up during baking.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder for a little heat.
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time? A1: Yes! Assemble the zucchini boats and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? A2: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q3: Can I freeze stuffed zucchini boats? A3: Yes! Freeze them unbaked and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q4: What’s the best cheese to use? A4: Mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan all work well.
Q5: Can I use a different type of meat? A5: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage are great alternatives.
Q6: Do I need to pre-cook the zucchini? A6: No, the zucchini will cook perfectly in the oven as it bakes with the filling.
Q7: How do I make this dish vegetarian? A7: Swap the beef for lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Q8: Can I add more veggies? A8: Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
Q9: How do I prevent soggy zucchini boats? A9: Lightly salt the zucchini halves and let them sit for 10 minutes before stuffing. This helps draw out excess moisture.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat them? A10: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
Final Thoughts
Beef stuffed zucchini boats are the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a delicious, nutritious meal. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them today, and let me know what you think!
Print
Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a healthy, high-protein meal packed with savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melty cheese. A perfect low-carb, keto-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor!
Ingredients
- 6–8 medium zucchini (or 12 small)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (low-fat, if preferred)
Instructions
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Prepare the Zucchini Boats:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh using a spoon.
- Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set it aside.
- Place zucchini halves on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
-
Cook the Beef Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook for 3-5 minutes until no longer pink.
- Stir in marinara sauce, chopped zucchini flesh, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until flavors blend.
-
Assemble & Bake:
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each zucchini boat.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired!
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it keto-friendly: Use a low-carb marinara sauce.
- Dairy-free option: Swap cheese for nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg