Description
These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal. Tender zucchini halves are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground meat, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, then baked to perfection. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium Zucchini
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 lb Ground Meat (Beef, Turkey, or Chicken)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil, or Oregano), chopped
- ½ cup Grated Cheese (Mozzarella, Parmesan, or Feta)
- Optional Toppings: Breadcrumbs, Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim ends, halve zucchinis lengthwise, and scoop out centers, leaving ¼-inch-thick walls. Brush with olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb lean ground meat for about 5 minutes, breaking into fine crumbles until no pink remains.
- Stir in one finely chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; simmer for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften and juices thicken slightly.
- Remove skillet from heat and gently fold in ½ cup grated mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Spoon the savory mixture evenly into zucchini cavities, pressing slightly to fill completely.
- Arrange boats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden brown.
- Optional: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or extra parsley for a colorful finish.
Notes
- Store leftover boats in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze assembled boats for up to 3 months; wrap individually in plastic wrap before freezing.
- Reheat by thawing overnight in the fridge, then baking at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 boat
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg