Description
Delicious and healthy Stuffed Zucchini Boats filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, vegetables, cheese, and herbs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a flavorful main course or a satisfying side, combining tender zucchini with a rich, cheesy filling baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Zucchini
- 4 medium zucchinis
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- Additional mozzarella cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create hollow ‘boats’ while keeping the skin intact. Set aside the scooped-out zucchini flesh for the filling.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, the reserved zucchini flesh chopped finely, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until flavors meld.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture. This binds the filling and adds creaminess.
- Stuff the Zucchini Boats: Place the hollowed zucchinis in a baking dish. Spoon the filling evenly into each zucchini half, pressing gently to fill.
- Bake the Boats: Sprinkle the tops with additional mozzarella cheese. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat for variations.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit completely.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling adds a nice subtle heat.
- Leftover filling can be used in pasta sauces or stuffed peppers.
- Make sure to not scoop out too much zucchini flesh to avoid collapsing the boats during baking.
