Print

Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 58 reviews

This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats recipe combines tender zucchini halves filled with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, topped with melted cheese. It’s a healthy, hearty dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that balances protein and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Boats

  • 4 medium zucchinis (Halved lengthwise and scooped out to create “boats.”)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (For brushing and sautéing)

Beef Filling

  • 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 teaspoon Italian seasoning (A blend of herbs for extra flavor.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (Adds a subtle smokiness.)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan work well.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis lengthwise in half, and carefully scoop out the centers to create hollow ‘boats’. Lightly brush each zucchini half with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Pre-bake the zucchini boats for 5-7 minutes to soften them slightly, making them easier to fill.
  2. Cook the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks; cook until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Assemble & Bake: Spoon the prepared beef mixture evenly into each of the pre-baked zucchini boats. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling. Return the stuffed zucchinis to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  4. Serve & Enjoy: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for a wholesome meal experience.

Notes

  • For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or turkey.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan to suit your taste.
  • You can add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.
  • Leftover zucchini boats can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Keywords: ground beef zucchini boats, stuffed zucchini, healthy dinner, baked zucchini, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/easy-ground-beef-zucchini-boats-recipe/