Table of Contents: Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
A Delicious, Healthy, and Family-Friendly Meal in Minutes!
Looking for a low-carb, high-flavor dinner that’s quick to make and loved by the whole family? These Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are your answer! Imagine tender zucchini halves stuffed with juicy, seasoned ground beef, smothered in melted cheese, and baked to perfection. It’s a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Zucchini boats have been a favorite for years, but this version takes them to the next level with a rich, savory filling that’s packed with protein and veggies. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them a great choice for various diets.
If you loved our Easy Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Healthy & Delicious Dinner Idea!, you’ll adore this lighter, quicker twist. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
What Are Ground Beef Zucchini Boats?
Ever wondered why they’re called “boats”? Well, picture this: a zucchini sliced in half, hollowed out, and loaded with a hearty ground beef filling—just like a little edible canoe sailing straight to your taste buds! Some say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these zucchini boats might just be the vessel to get there.
This dish is a genius way to sneak in extra veggies while keeping things flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re a low-carb enthusiast, a busy parent, or just someone who loves a good, easy meal, these zucchini boats are a must-try. So, grab your ingredients and let’s set sail on this delicious journey!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Healthy & Low-Carb Without Sacrificing Flavor
These zucchini boats are packed with protein and fiber while keeping carbs low. The juicy ground beef, aromatic spices, and gooey cheese make every bite irresistible.
2. Budget-Friendly & Quick to Make
Skip the takeout—this meal costs a fraction of dining out and comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
3. Customizable & Family-Approved
Swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or fresh herbs for extra flair.
If you enjoyed our Easy Unstuffed Peppers Skillet – A Quick & Healthy One-Pan Meal! 🌶️, you’ll love this lighter alternative. Ready to make dinner a breeze? Let’s get started!
How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Quick Overview
This recipe is simple, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes. The zucchini stays tender yet firm, the beef filling is perfectly seasoned, and the melted cheese ties it all together.
Key Ingredients
– 4 medium zucchinis (halved lengthwise)
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Zucchini: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving a ¼-inch border. Lightly brush with olive oil and season with salt.
2. Cook the Filling: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat, then stir in Italian seasoning, marinara, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff & Bake: Fill each zucchini half with the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
4. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and dig in!
What to Serve With Zucchini Boats
Pair these delicious boats with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, or a side of garlic bread for those not watching carbs. A light, tangy Greek yogurt dip or a refreshing cucumber salad also complements the flavors beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
– Prevent Sogginess: Lightly salt the zucchini before baking to draw out excess moisture.
– Extra Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a kick.
– Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezer: Freeze unbaked stuffed zucchini for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
– Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain texture.
People Also Ask: Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
What is the best way to make zucchini boats with ground beef?
The key is to brown the beef well, season generously, and bake until the zucchini is tender but not mushy. Pre-salting the zucchini helps prevent sogginess.
Can you freeze stuffed zucchini boats?
Yes! Freeze before baking for best results. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
How do you keep zucchini boats from getting soggy?
Salt the zucchini before stuffing to remove excess water. Also, avoid over-baking—just until the cheese melts and the zucchini is fork-tender.
What sides go well with zucchini boats?
A fresh salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread are great pairings. For low-carb options, try cauliflower rice or a light slaw.
Final Thoughts
These Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a game-changer for quick, healthy dinners. They’re flavorful, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to impress.
Ready to try it? Tag us on social media with your creations—we’d love to see your take on this recipe! And if you’re craving more easy dinner ideas, don’t miss our dinner recipes.
Happy cooking! 🍽️
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Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A healthy, low-carb dinner made with tender zucchini halves stuffed with seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center with a spoon to create boats.
- Brush zucchini halves with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon beef mixture evenly into the zucchini boats.
- Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: ground beef zucchini boats, low carb, healthy dinner, stuffed zucchini