Description
Delicious and hearty Stuffed Zucchini Boats filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This oven-baked dish is a perfect low-carb, flavorful meal ideal for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- Chopped zucchini flesh (from scooping out the zucchinis)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Meat and Proteins
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the zucchinis: Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop out the center of each half, creating a boat shape with about a 1/4-inch border. Finely chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set aside for the filling.
- Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage) to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped zucchini flesh, marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Stuff the zucchini boats: Arrange the hollowed zucchini halves in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into each zucchini boat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese liberally over the stuffed zucchinis.
- Bake the zucchini boats: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot. These stuffed zucchini boats are delicious with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for ground beef based on preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables and cheese.
- To reduce calories, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Use gluten-free marinara sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- These zucchini boats can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
