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Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

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4 from 47 reviews

These Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a flavorful and healthy meal option, featuring tender zucchini filled with a savory ground beef and marinara mixture, topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. A delicious low-carb dinner that combines fresh vegetables with hearty protein, making it perfect for weeknight meals.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 6-8 medium zucchini, or 12 small
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the zucchini boats later.
  2. Prepare Zucchini: Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully carve out the inner flesh, creating hollow boats. Chop the scooped-out zucchini ‘meat’ and set it aside for the filling.
  3. Cook Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to turn golden. Add minced garlic and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Make Filling: Stir in the marinara sauce, chopped zucchini flesh, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes so the flavors blend and the filling thickens slightly.
  6. Assemble Zucchini Boats: Place the hollowed zucchini halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each zucchini boat.
  7. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle a drizzle of shredded low-fat cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the stuffed zucchini. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the filling for extra veggies.
  • Use a low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce salt content.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To make it vegetarian, replace the meat with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat