These easy savory stuffed zucchini boats are a fun way to enjoy veggies! Hollowed-out zucchini is filled with a tasty mix of ground meat, cheese, and spices, making them super satisfying.
Honestly, they look like tiny canoes stuffed with deliciousness! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and I love how you can play around with the fillings to keep it fresh and exciting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis work best for this dish. If you can’t find zucchini, eggplant or yellow squash can also be used as substitutes.
Ground meat: Ground beef is delicious, but feel free to swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option.
Cheese: I love the melty goodness of mozzarella. You can replace it with cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer a different cheese flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option!
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add moisture. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, just chop them up! You can also use tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
How Do You Get Zucchini Boats Just Right?
Getting the zucchini just right is key to making sure they’re tender and flavorful. After slicing and scooping, pre-baking them helps soften the zucchini. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides while leaving a little *boat* to hold the filling.
- Place the hollowed zucchinis cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes.
This step is crucial to avoid sogginess and ensures your filling shines through! Let them cool a bit before filling them with that delicious meat mixture.
Easy Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 25-30 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your zucchini boats!
2. Prepare the Zucchini Boats:
Wash the zucchinis well and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh, creating “boats.” Leave about 1/4-inch thick walls so they hold their shape. Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set it aside for the filling.
3. Bake the Zucchini Boats:
Arrange the zucchini halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Once done, take them out and set them aside to cool, cut side up.
4. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are translucent and fragrant (about 3 minutes). Next, add the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. Mix in the Veggies and Spices:
Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh, optional bell pepper, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes until well combined, and any excess liquid has evaporated.
6. Add Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the mozzarella cheese, mixing well.
7. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Flip the baked zucchini halves cut side up. Spoon the meat mixture generously into each boat. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Final Bake:
Return the stuffed zucchini boats to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the boats from the oven and let them sit for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful stuffed zucchini boats hot!
This recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy meal!
FAQ for Easy Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef and turkey are popular choices, you can also use ground chicken, pork, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to cook any meat thoroughly!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Can I Make These Zucchini Boats Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground meat with a plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or quinoa, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives in place of mozzarella and Parmesan.
You can also skip the cheese entirely and add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!
What Can I Serve With Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
These zucchini boats are delightful on their own, but you can pair them with a side salad, garlic bread, or some quinoa for a more filling meal. They also make great appetizers for a gathering!