Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats Recipe

Introduction

Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy twist on classic stuffed vegetables. Filled with savory ground beef and topped with melted cheese, they make a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis (halved lengthwise and scooped out to create “boats”)
• 1 pound ground beef (lean ground beef works best, but any variety will do)
• 1 small onion (diced for added flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced for a rich aromatic taste)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (a flavorful base for the filling)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan work well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the beef and onions)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds a subtle smokiness)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center, creating a hollow space for the filling. Lightly brush the zucchini halves with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Pre-bake the zucchini boats for 5-7 minutes to soften slightly.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat, then stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Step 3: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the pre-baked zucchini boats. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each filled zucchini. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Step 4: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra veggies, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture while cooking.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for ground beef.
• Try different cheese blends such as feta or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
• To make it vegetarian, replace meat with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Storage

Store leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the zucchini boats ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the zucchini boats and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add the cheese and bake when ready to serve for the best results.

Can I freeze the cooked zucchini boats?

While freezing is possible, the zucchini texture may become softer upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the filling separately and assemble fresh zucchini boats when ready to bake.

Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 648 reviews

These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a delicious and nutritious low-carb meal that combines savory ground beef and melted cheese stuffed into tender zucchini halves. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, this recipe is a quick and family-friendly dinner option that bakes in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Zucchini Boats

• 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped out to create boats
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing

Beef Filling

• 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center flesh to create hollow boats. Lightly brush the zucchini halves with olive oil and lay them on a baking sheet. Pre-bake them for 5-7 minutes to soften slightly and ensure they cook fully later.
2. Cook the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
3. Assemble and Bake: Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly into the pre-baked zucchini boats. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the stuffed zucchinis. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden top.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, garnish the zucchini boats with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Notes

• You can customize the cheese according to your preference or dietary needs.
• Lean ground beef reduces excess grease, but other varieties can be used if draining is done properly.
• Pre-baking zucchini ensures the boats are tender but not soggy after filling and final baking.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: ground beef zucchini boats, stuffed zucchini, low carb dinner, healthy ground beef recipe, baked zucchini boats, easy keto dinner