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Zucchini Beef Boats are a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional stuffed dishes, packed with flavor and nutrients.
These boats are made by hollowing out fresh zucchini and filling them with a savory beef mixture, then baking them to perfection.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The combination of tender zucchini and savory seasoned beef will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Beef Boats Recipe
Zucchini Beef Boats are not only delicious but also a nutritious meal option.
This dish is the perfect way to enjoy a low-carb dinner without sacrificing flavor.
The zucchini serves as a healthy base, and the seasoned ground beef adds a hearty protein punch, making it both satisfying and filling.
Plus, you can customize the filling to suit your tastes, whether you prefer lean beef, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian filling.
This recipe is great for meal prep, as you can make several servings at once and store them for later use.
It’s also versatile enough to serve as a main dish for family dinners, parties, or meal planning for the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare these delicious Zucchini Beef Boats, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis (cut in half lengthwise and seeds scooped out)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)
These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering filling that perfectly complements the zucchini boats. You can also add additional toppings like salsa, sour cream, or avocado if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise, then scoop out the center seeds using a spoon to create boats.
Place the hollowed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and the beef is fully cooked.
Stuff the Zucchini Boats
Spoon the cooked beef mixture into each zucchini boat, filling them generously. Press down lightly to ensure the filling is packed in tightly.
Bake to Perfection
Place the filled zucchini boats in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape.
About 5 minutes before the end of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each boat and return them to the oven to melt the cheese.
Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the zucchini boats from the oven.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve immediately. For an extra touch, add a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top.
What to Serve with Zucchini Beef Boats
Zucchini Beef Boats are a hearty and flavorful dish, so pairing them with a lighter side can help balance the meal. Here are a few great ideas to serve alongside:
Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice complements the beef boats perfectly without overwhelming the flavors.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Garlic Bread: If you’re not strictly low-carb, garlic bread or crusty bread pairs wonderfully with the savory beef and zucchini.
Roasted Vegetables: You can roast other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for a colorful and nutritious side.
Sour Cream or Guacamole: For a creamy and flavorful topping, serve the boats with a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Zucchini Beef Boats are perfect for meal prep and can be stored for later use:
Storing Leftovers: Place leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
They reheat well in the microwave or oven. Just cover them with foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezing Zucchini Beef Boats: If you’d like to make a larger batch, you can freeze the stuffed boats. After assembling, wrap each zucchini boat in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until heated through.
Meal Prep: Make a double batch of the beef mixture and store it separately.
You can quickly stuff the zucchini when you’re ready to cook, making for a fast and easy weeknight dinner option.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini Beef Boats are a flavorful and healthy meal that combines the savory richness of ground beef with the lightness of zucchini.
This dish is not only low-carb but also fully customizable, making it ideal for various dietary preferences.
Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease, versatility, and deliciousness.
These boats are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while enjoying a hearty, satisfying dish.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, Zucchini Beef Boats will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
2. How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy zucchini, make sure to bake the boats until they’re tender but not mushy.
You can also lightly salt the zucchini halves before hollowing them out to draw out any excess moisture.
Pat them dry with a paper towel before filling them.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the zucchini boats and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
Simply stuff them, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
4. Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
If you like spice, you can add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
You could also use a spicy salsa or hot sauce as a topping.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use quinoa or beans as the base.
Add some spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder for extra flavor!
Zucchini Beef Boats
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.
