These easy stuffed zucchini boats are a fun and healthy meal! They are filled with a tasty mix of ground meat, veggies, and cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden.
It’s like taking a boat ride—only this time, the boat is a zucchini! I love serving these with a side salad for a light dinner. They’re so easy to make, even the kids can help out!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Medium zucchinis are perfect for stuffing! If you can’t find them, you can use yellow squash or bell peppers as alternatives. They provide a similar shape and texture.
Ground Meat: I like using ground turkey for a lighter option, but you can swap it with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist.
Rice or Quinoa: The cooked rice or quinoa adds heartiness, but if you’re looking for a lower carb option, omit it. You can use cauliflower rice instead for a lighter filling!
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for melting, but feel free to use any cheese you love! Cheddar or feta can also work nicely. If you want to keep it vegan, you can skip the cheese altogether or use a dairy-free option.
How Do I Scoop Zucchini Without Making a Mess?
Scooping out the zucchini to create boats can be tricky! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the zucchini in half lengthwise.
- A small spoon works well to scoop out the flesh. Start from the center and gently scrape around the edges.
- Be careful not to cut through the skin. Aim to leave about a 1/4 inch to hold the filling.
- If you don’t have a small spoon, a melon baller can also do the trick! It’s handy and minimizes mess.
With practice, you’ll be a pro at zucchini boat scooping in no time! Enjoy preparing these fun and tasty dishes!
Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice or quinoa (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 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 20 minutes to bake, making it a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready to perfectly bake your stuffed zucchinis.
2. Prepare the Zucchinis:
Wash the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh, creating “boats.” Leave about 1/4 inch of zucchini flesh to hold in the filling. Set aside the scooped flesh for later.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Ground Meat:
Next, add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure it’s fully cooked.
5. Mix in the Remaining Ingredients:
Chop the reserved zucchini flesh and add it to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes, cooked rice or quinoa (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Stuff the Zucchini Boats:
Carefully spoon the hearty filling evenly into each zucchini half. Make sure to pack it in well for a delicious bite!
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over each stuffed zucchini boat. This will create a lovely melted topping as they bake.
8. Bake:
Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the stuffed zucchinis from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like, then serve warm. Enjoy your delicious and easy stuffed zucchini boats!
FAQ for Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors accordingly.
Can I Make These Zucchini Boats Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also stuff the zucchini boats a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply put them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Yes, these zucchini boats freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
