Description
This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats recipe offers a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal packed with lean protein and vegetables. Perfectly roasted zucchinis serve as edible vessels for a savory ground beef filling, enriched with Italian seasoning and topped with gooey melted cheese. This dish is simple to prepare and ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchinis (Halved lengthwise and scooped out to create ‘boats.’)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (For brushing zucchinis)
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (Lean ground beef 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (For sautéing beef and onions)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center, creating hollow boats to fill later. Lightly brush each zucchini half with olive oil, then arrange them on a baking sheet. Pre-bake for 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Cook the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the warm beef mixture evenly into the pre-baked zucchini boats. Top each filled zucchini with shredded cheese. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve immediately, ideally with a light side such as a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Choose zucchinis of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Removing the zucchini flesh helps the boats cook faster and hold more filling; you can sauté the scooped-out zucchini in the skillet with the beef for extra flavor.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Cheese choice can be adjusted to preferences; mozzarella melts well while parmesan adds a sharper taste.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: ground beef zucchini boats, healthy zucchini recipe, low carb dinner, baked stuffed zucchini, easy dinner recipe
