Zucchini Beef Boats
Zucchini Beef Boats are a delicious, healthy dish made by stuffing tender zucchini halves with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and spices. Perfect for a low-carb meal, these boats are a satisfying dinner option that combines the freshness of zucchini with the richness of beef, topped with melted cheese. Whether you're making them for a family dinner or prepping ahead for the week, these zucchini boats are easy to make and are sure to impress.
Equipment
- 1 Large Baking Sheet
- 1 medium skillet
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 spoon for scooping zucchini
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis halved lengthwise
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce optional for topping
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the zucchini: Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise.Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, leaving about 1/4-inch of zucchini around the edges.
- Cook the beef filling: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the zucchini: Spoon the cooked beef mixture into the hollowed-out zucchini halves, pressing gently to pack it in. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Optional toppings: If desired, top with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or more cheese before serving.
Notes
- Zucchini preparation: Be careful not to scoop out too much of the zucchini flesh, as you want enough to hold the beef mixture. You can use a melon baller or spoon to scoop.
- Make it spicier: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Freezing tips: You can prepare and stuff the zucchini boats in advance and freeze them before baking. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container and bake from frozen when ready to eat.
- Alternative meat: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian meal.