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ground beef zucchini boats

Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a delicious, low-effort meal featuring tender zucchini stuffed with savory ground beef.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 21 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 boats
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • oven
  • skillet
  • baking sheet

Ingredients
  

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 pound ground beef (can use ground turkey or ground chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4-6 small-medium zucchini
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the centers, setting the flesh aside. Arrange the hollowed-out zucchini halves on a baking sheet or baking dish.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Next, add the ground beef, cooking until browned. If needed, use a paper towel to absorb any excess grease. Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, marinara sauce, and seasonings, mixing everything well.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the filling simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Spoon the beef mixture into each zucchini half, filling them generously. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and, if desired, finish with parmesan for extra flavor. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Pick small or medium zucchini for the best texture; larger ones can be watery. Chop the zucchini flesh and mix into filling for extra flavor. Blot excess oil from the beef for a healthier option.

Nutrition

Serving: 1boatCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg
Keyword easy recipe, ground beef recipes, ground beef zucchini boats, Healthy Dinner, low-carb, zucchini boats
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