Description
These Zucchini Boats are a healthy, low-carb meal that turns fresh zucchini into a fun and filling main dish. Hollowed-out zucchinis are stuffed with a savory mix of meat, vegetables, and sauce, then topped with cheese and baked until golden. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, they’re delicious, customizable, and ready in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based protein
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash zucchinis and slice them lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the centers, leaving a shell about 1/4-inch thick. Set aside the scooped flesh for the filling.
- Pre-Bake the Shells: Brush zucchini halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, chopped zucchini flesh, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Stuff the Boats: Fill each pre-baked zucchini shell with the mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake to Finish: Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
For vegetarian boats, swap the ground meat for lentils, quinoa, or plant-based crumbles. To avoid watery boats, don’t skip pre-baking the zucchini shells. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg