Stuffed Zucchini Boats: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal

Stuffed zucchini boats are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the abundance of zucchini, especially during the summer months. These boats are made by hollowing out zucchini halves and stuffing them with a flavorful filling of your choice, such as ground meat, vegetables, cheese, and herbs. Baked to perfection, they make a satisfying main course or side dish that’s both healthy and tasty.

What Makes Stuffed Zucchini Boats Great

• Nutrient-Rich: Zucchini is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy base for your meal.
• Customizable: You can stuff zucchini boats with a variety of fillings, from vegetarian to meat-based options, to suit your taste preferences.
• Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: These boats are a great option for those following low-carb or gluten-free diets.
• Visually Appealing: The vibrant green of the zucchini paired with colorful fillings makes for an attractive presentation.

Components of Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchini are ideal for this recipe. They’re big enough to hold the filling but still tender.
• Filling: Common fillings include ground meat (like beef, turkey, or sausage), cooked rice or quinoa, sautéed vegetables, cheese, and herbs.
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta are popular choices to melt on top or mix into the filling.
• Tomato Sauce: A tomato-based sauce can be added to the filling or drizzled over the top before baking for extra flavor.
• Seasonings: Garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are typical, but you can customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

How to Make Stuffed Zucchini Boats

1. Prepare the Zucchini:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Wash the zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh, creating a “boat” shape. Set the scooped-out flesh aside for the filling.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
   • Add your choice of ground meat and cook until browned. If you prefer a vegetarian option, sauté diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes instead.
   • Stir in the reserved zucchini flesh, tomato sauce, and any additional seasonings. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
3. Stuff the Zucchini Boats:
   • Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish. Spoon the filling into each zucchini boat, packing it in evenly.
   • If using cheese, sprinkle it generously over the top of each boat.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Choose Medium-Sized Zucchini: They’re easier to hollow out and have the perfect balance of flesh and skin.
• Pre-Cook the Filling: Make sure your filling is fully cooked before stuffing the zucchini to ensure everything is evenly heated.
• Avoid Overbaking: Bake just until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 1 Casserole

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

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

Instructions

 

Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the zucchini halves.

Prepare the zucchinis:

• Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis.
• Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise.
• Use a spoon to scoop out the center of each zucchini half, creating a hollow “boat.” Reserve the scooped-out zucchini flesh for the filling.

Cook the filling:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Stir in the reserved zucchini flesh, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
• If using breadcrumbs, stir them in at this point for added texture.

Stuff the zucchini boats:

• Spoon the filling mixture into the hollowed-out zucchini boats, dividing it evenly among them.
• Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the prepared baking dish.

Add the cheese:

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the stuffed zucchinis.

Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
• Serve the stuffed zucchini boats hot as a main dish or a hearty side.

Notes

These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and nutritious dish, combining tender zucchini with a flavorful filling and melted cheese. They’re perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s low in carbs but high in flavor!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed zucchini boats are loved for their versatility and delicious flavors. The combination of tender zucchini, savory filling, and melted cheese creates a satisfying dish that’s both hearty and healthy. Whether you’re making a meat-filled version or a veggie-packed option, these boats are sure to please everyone at the table.

Ready to Enjoy?

When you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful dish, stuffed zucchini boats are an excellent choice. They’re easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and perfect for showcasing fresh zucchini. Serve them with a simple salad or alongside your favorite side dish, and enjoy a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious!