Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
Deliciously Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef is a cozy, cheesy filling meal perfect for weeknight dinners, combining protein, veggies, and cheese in a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium medium zucchini
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef Use 85/15 for balanced flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced Adjust according to taste.
- 1 cup marinara sauce Use crushed tomatoes with a pinch of salt as an alternative.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella Mix with cheddar for variation.
- optional handful chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell pepper Add for additional flavor and texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat your oven to 400 F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prep the zucchini by cutting them in half lengthwise and scooping out the middle with a spoon, leaving a little border for sturdiness. Chop the scooped out flesh and set aside.
Cooking the Filling
- In a skillet, cook the diced onion in a little oil for a couple of minutes, then add the minced garlic.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the chopped zucchini insides, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes to thicken.
Baking
- Arrange the zucchini halves in the baking dish. Spoon in the meat filling, covering with foil.
- Bake for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes for extra browning, if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. For best reheating results, use the oven covered loosely with foil. You can freeze individual boats for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g