These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! Filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese, they’re sure to make your taste buds happy.
Perfect for dinner or a snack, you’ll love how simple they are to make. I often whip these up when I want something quick and delicious. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🥳
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are key for creating those perfect boats. If zucchini isn’t available, you could try bell peppers or eggplants as alternatives. They offer a nice flavor and can hold the filling well too.
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep it healthier. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian crumbles also work fantastic if you’re looking for a meatless meal!
Onion and Garlic: They add wonderful flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use onion and garlic powder instead. I personally love using shallots for a sweeter note. Just remember to adjust the amounts since powders are more concentrated!
Cheese: Mozzarella is my favorite for its meltiness. You can substitute it with cheddar or even a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version. Don’t skip the Parmesan; it’s great for extra cheesy goodness!
How Do I Get the Zucchini Boats Just Right?
To make sure your zucchini boats are perfectly tender with a delightful filling, follow these steps:
- When slicing the zucchini, keep the halves even; it’ll help them cook uniformly.
- Be gentle while scooping out the inside to avoid breaking the skin. A tablespoon works well for this! You can chop the scooped out flesh to include it in your beef filling.
- Pre-baking the zucchini can also help prevent them from being too watery when filled.
- Finally, keep an eye on them while baking. You want the cheese gooey and the zucchini tender but not mushy—this takes about 20-25 minutes.
Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, so you can have these tasty zucchini boats ready to enjoy in around 40-45 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for the zucchini boats once you’re done prepping.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis under cold water. Then, slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh using a spoon to create little boats. Make sure to set the scooped-out flesh aside—you’ll use it later!
3. Season the Zucchini:
Brush the cut sides of the zucchini with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place the zucchini halves, cut side up, in a baking dish.
4. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced onions and sauté them for about 3 minutes until they look translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, letting that delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
5. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, letting it brown until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Mix the Filling:
Now, stir in the reserved zucchini flesh (chop it up if it’s in big pieces), marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Season it all with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all the tasty flavors to meld together.
7. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Evenly spoon the savory beef mixture into each zucchini boat. Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the filled zucchinis, sharing that cheesy goodness equally!
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melty and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool a bit. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Now dig in and enjoy your delicious Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as lighter alternatives to beef. For a vegetarian option, you can also use plant-based meat substitutes or lentils for a hearty filling.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No problem! You can use any tomato sauce or even BBQ sauce for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change, but it can still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Boats?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well in the microwave or oven—just cover them to prevent drying out!
Can I Freeze These Zucchini Boats?
Yes! You can freeze them both before or after baking. If freezing before, just assemble and freeze unbaked zucchini boats. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
