Ingredients
2 large zucchinis (about 8-10 inches each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup zucchini pulp, finely chopped
1/2 cup marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Wash the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the pulp, leaving about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of flesh around the edges to form the 'boats'. Reserve the pulp.
Step 3: Place the hollowed zucchini halves in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the insides lightly with a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 6: Stir in the finely chopped zucchini pulp, marinara sauce, oregano, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
Step 7: Stir in the 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese into the meat mixture until just combined.
Step 8: Evenly divide the meat filling among the zucchini boats, piling it slightly high. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top of each filled boat.
Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The exact cooking time for these zucchini boat recipes may vary depending on the size of your zucchini.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy these delicious zucchini boat recipes warm!
Notes
For best results, use medium-sized zucchinis. If you have extra-large zucchini, you might need to increase the baking time or pre-bake the zucchini halves before stuffing. These zucchini boat recipes are fantastic for meal prepping!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat half
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg