Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
