Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed Zucchini Boats – A Flavorful Family Meal

Now Boarding all Taste Buds! Sail away with our Stuffed Zucchini Boat recipe. This simple yet flavorful dish is loaded with seasoned beef, tomatoes, and melted cheese—a hearty meal your family will love.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients You'll Need

• 2 large zucchinis, halved lengthwise

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 sweet onion, chopped

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

• 1 pound ground beef

• Coarse salt to taste

• Ground black pepper to taste

• 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• ¼ cup mint leaves

• ¼ cup water

• ¾ cup seasoned bread crumbs

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into ¾ cups)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Using a metal spoon, scoop out the seeds and pulp from the zucchini halves, leaving about a half-inch shell. Chop the zucchini pulp into small pieces and discard the seeds.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until lightly browned, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped zucchini pulp and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then season with coarse salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup mint leaves. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the hollowed zucchini halves.

Step 5: Bake the Zucchini

Pour water into a large baking dish, then arrange the stuffed zucchini halves inside. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tips for Success

• For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• To make the meal lighter, use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days!

FAQs

Can I freeze the stuffed zucchini boats?

Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the zucchini boats up to the baking step, then cover and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To bake, simply cook from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You can also use cooked quinoa or lentils for a protein-rich option.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin helps hold the boat shape and adds texture to the dish. Just be sure to scoop out the seeds and pulp to create room for the filling.

Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs?

Yes! You can use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping, or even crushed crackers, cornflakes, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer. Adjust the amount to get your desired topping texture.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even eggplant to the beef mixture. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic for added flavor.

If you love stuffed vegetable dishes, don't miss our Simple Stuffed Green Bell Peppers! Packed with flavorful fillings, they make an equally satisfying and nutritious meal.

Enjoy these Stuffed Zucchini Boats as a delightful and wholesome dinner option!