Description
Zucchini boats are a healthy and delicious dish featuring hollowed-out zucchinis filled with a savory mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection. Perfect for a low-carb meal or a creative way to use fresh zucchini! 🥒
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey, chicken, or beef (optional for vegetarians)
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional for more filling)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch thick shell. Save the scooped flesh for the filling if desired.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey, chicken, or beef (or keep it vegetarian) and cook until browned.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and the reserved zucchini flesh (if using). Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked quinoa or rice if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Stuff the Zucchini
- Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Spoon the filling into each zucchini boat, pressing gently to pack it in.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the stuffed zucchinis.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 540mg
- Protein: 16g
Keywords: Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe