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
Scale
- 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
-
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