Zucchini Boats Recipe

Zucchini boats are the perfect way to turn fresh zucchini into a hearty and satisfying meal. Hollowed-out zucchini halves are filled with a mixture of protein, vegetables, and cheese, then baked to perfection. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a hit for any dinner table.

Equipment:

• Baking dish
• Spoon or melon baller
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
   • Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Slice them in half lengthwise.
   • Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the center, creating a hollow “boat,” and set aside the scooped-out flesh.
3. Cook the Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
   • Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and the reserved zucchini flesh (chopped). Cook for 2-3 minutes.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Zucchini Boats:
   • Arrange the zucchini halves in a baking dish.
   • Spoon the meat mixture into each zucchini half, filling them generously.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Tips:

• Use ground chicken, shrimp, or a vegetarian alternative for different variations.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra vegetables.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Zucchini boats are a delightful way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful, and customizable dish. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal or a creative way to use zucchini, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness with a side salad or garlic bread!

Zucchini Boats Recipe

These zucchini boats are loaded with a savory filling of ground meat, cheese, and flavorful seasonings, making a healthy and delicious low-carb dinner option that's easy to prepare.

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Equipment

• Baking dish
• Spoon or melon baller
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 pound ground beef turkey, or sausage
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the Zucchini:
• Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Slice them in half lengthwise.
• Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the center, creating a hollow "boat," and set aside the scooped-out flesh.
• Cook the Filling:
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
• Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and the reserved zucchini flesh (chopped). Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Assemble the Zucchini Boats:
• Arrange the zucchini halves in a baking dish.
• Spoon the meat mixture into each zucchini half, filling them generously.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake:
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Garnish and Serve:
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.