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Zucchini Boats with Savory Ground Beef and Melted Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 77 reviews

These Zucchini Boats are a healthy and delicious meal option featuring tender zucchini halves filled with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, topped with melted cheese. Perfect as a low-carb dinner, they combine fresh vegetables with flavorful herbs and spices for a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and bake.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Zucchini Boats

  • 4 medium zucchinis (halved lengthwise and scooped out to create “boats”)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing and sautéing)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean ground beef recommended)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers with a spoon to create hollow “boats.” Lightly brush the zucchini halves with olive oil, arrange them on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes to soften slightly.
  2. Cook the Beef Filling: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Simmer the Filling: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the browned beef mixture. Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pre-baked zucchini boat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each filled zucchini. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the zucchini boats with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.
  • Use gluten-free tomato sauce and cheese to keep the recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu and adjust seasoning accordingly.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/zucchini-boats-with-savory-ground-beef-and-melted-cheese-recipe/