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Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy meal featuring zucchini halves filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, chopped zucchini flesh, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, then baked until tender and golden, this recipe delivers a comforting and nutritious dish perfect as a main or side.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Boats

  • 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice or breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Topping

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare Zucchini Boats: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop out the insides of the zucchini halves to create boats, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh around the skins. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside for later use.
  2. Cook Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the chopped zucchini flesh, cooking until the meat is browned and cooked through.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomato, cooked rice or breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the filling to thicken slightly.
  4. Stuff Zucchini: Spoon the prepared filling mixture into each hollowed zucchini boat, packing it tightly. Arrange the stuffed zucchini boats in a baking dish.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed zucchini boats.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese has melted, turning slightly golden and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the stuffed zucchini boats cool for a few minutes. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy warm as a wholesome main dish or side.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • If preferred, use cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or breadcrumbs to modify carbs.
  • Leftover zucchini flesh can be added to the filling for added texture and nutrition.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, omit the meat and add additional diced vegetables or plant-based protein.
  • Ensure not to scoop out too much zucchini flesh to keep the boats sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Keywords: stuffed zucchini, zucchini boats, baked zucchini, ground beef recipe, healthy dinner, Italian seasoning, low carb side

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/stuffed-zucchini-boats-recipe/