Description
A quick and hearty weeknight meal featuring zucchini boats stuffed with a savory ground beef mixture, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is low-carb, veggie-packed, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
- 4 large zucchinis
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- A handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash zucchinis and slice in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or small scoop, hollow out the center leaving about 1/4-inch thick walls. Chop the scooped zucchini flesh finely and save for the filling.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in chopped zucchini flesh, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place hollowed zucchini halves cut side up in a baking dish. Spoon beef mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, packing it in without overflowing.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed zucchinis. Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and zucchini is tender but still holds shape.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Do not over-scoop zucchini to keep boats sturdy. Save and chop zucchini flesh for added moisture and flavor in filling. Brown beef well for better flavor. Use fresh garlic for best taste. Season filling as you go. Mix mozzarella with Parmesan or provolone for richer cheese flavor. Avoid overcrowding baking dish for even cooking. Prep filling ahead and assemble before baking. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent sogginess; reheat in skillet with splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: ground beef zucchini boats, low carb dinner, quick weeknight meal, stuffed zucchini, easy dinner recipe, healthy ground beef recipe