Stuffed zucchini boats are a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, nutritious, and low-carb meal without sacrificing flavor. This recipe for Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini is packed with savory goodness, making it perfect for healthy eaters,
low-carb dieters, or busy home cooks looking for an easy, wholesome meal idea. Follow along to learn how to create these delicious zucchini boats in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed zucchini isn’t just a healthy dinner option; it’s versatile, customizable, and quick to prepare. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Low-Carb and Nutritious: Zucchini is a naturally low-carb vegetable, rich in fiber and essential vitamins, making it an excellent alternative to starchy dishes.
- Quick and Simple: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and around 25 minutes to bake—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easily Customizable: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to fit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you'll need fresh zucchini as your base and a handful of pantry staples to fill them with flavor. Here's what to gather:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or substitute ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Chili flakes for a spicy kick
How to Make Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchinis
- Wash and dry the zucchinis.
- Cut them lengthwise into halves and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh, creating "boats." Be careful not to hollow them out too much—the walls should remain sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- Drizzle the zucchini boats with 1 tbsp olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned (no pink remains).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in half of the Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Stuff the Zucchini
- Spoon generous amounts of the beef mixture into each zucchini half, pressing it gently to fill all the space.
- Top each boat with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the stuffed zucchini boats in your prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
- Serve warm with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal!
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Zucchini
- Choose Medium Zucchinis: Avoid oversized zucchinis, as they tend to be watery and less flavorful. Medium-sized ones are perfect for stuffing.
- Adjust Seasonings: For a richer flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make zucchinis too soft. Check them 5 minutes before the minimum baking time to ensure the perfect texture.
Why Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini is a Crowd-Pleaser
This dish combines the satisfying flavors of ground beef, cheese, and tender zucchini, delivering a comforting meal that feels indulgent but is actually nutritious. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep—simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or a mix of mushrooms, quinoa, and chopped nuts for a hearty vegetarian filling.
- Mexican Twist: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning, and top the boats with cheddar cheese and a dollop of guacamole after baking.
- Mediterranean Style: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Serve and Impress
There’s something special about serving food that not only tastes incredible but also looks impressive on the plate. These Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini boats are elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight meals.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, these zucchini boats are bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Pair them with your favorite chilled beverage and enjoy a guilt-free, flavorful meal!
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