Description
These Turkey and Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy main course featuring lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese baked perfectly inside hollowed zucchini halves. This gluten-free, low-carb recipe is easy to prepare and makes a satisfying dinner option packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and scooped out
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Zucchini: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the hollowed zucchini halves in a large baking dish, cut side up to prepare for stuffing and baking.
- Cook Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add finely chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become tender.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and canned crushed tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Stuff Zucchini Boats: Spoon the turkey and vegetable mixture into each zucchini half, packing the filling evenly inside.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed zucchini. Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian alternative.
- Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach to increase nutritional variety.
- To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes and adjust salt accordingly.
- For more spice, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
