These Cheesy Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a fun and tasty meal! You just scoop out the zucchini, fill them with seasoned meat, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings.
They look like little boats filled with goodness and make dinner exciting! I love to serve these with a dollop of sour cream on top. Yum! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Choose medium-sized zucchinis for easy scooping. If you can’t find zucchini, eggplants or bell peppers make great alternatives.
Ground Beef: I like using ground turkey for a leaner option. You could also use chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp bite, while mozzarella gives stretchiness. If you’re vegan, lots of brands offer delicious dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Taco Seasoning: A packet is convenient but try making your own with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder for a more personalized flavor.
How Do You Even Scoop Out Zucchini Boats?
Scooping zucchini to create boats is simple but needs care! You want a nice hollow space without piercing the skin. Here’s how:
- After slicing zucchini in half, use a spoon with a rounded edge for easier scooping.
- Be gentle! Start from the middle and work your way out to maintain the walls.
- Leave about 1/4-inch thick walls for support—too thin and they might fall apart.
This way, your zucchini will hold all the tasty filling without collapsing!
Cheesy Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnishing (optional):
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Sour cream and lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. A quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, turn your oven on and set it to 375°F (190°C) so it heats up while you prepare the zucchini boats!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis and carefully slice each one in half lengthwise. Take a spoon and scoop out the center flesh to create boats—be sure to leave about 1/4-inch thick walls for support. Don’t throw away the scooped-out flesh; you’ll need that!
3. Cook the Filling:
Chop the reserved zucchini flesh into small pieces. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). If there’s any excess fat, drain it.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce (or salsa). Cook for another 3-4 minutes until well combined and heated through. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Add Cheese to the Filling:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in half of the shredded cheddar and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted into the mixture.
6. Stuff the Zucchini Boats:
Now, take a baking sheet or dish and arrange the zucchini boats on it. Spoon the cheesy meat mixture into each boat, distributing it evenly. Top each stuffed zucchini with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions if you like. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream and lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful taco stuffed zucchini boats! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Cheesy Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the meat you choose.
Can I Prepare These Zucchini Boats in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the zucchini boats a few hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. If prepared this way, they may need an extra 5 minutes in the oven to heat through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Use Other Vegetables for Stuffing?
Definitely! If you don’t have zucchini, bell peppers, eggplants, or even hollowed tomatoes can work wonderfully as alternatives for stuffing.
