These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a fun and healthy meal! Just hollow out some zucchinis and fill them with a tasty mix of ground beef, spices, and cheese.
They’re like little boats of goodness that are super simple to make. I love serving them hot from the oven, and my family can’t get enough of the cheesy, meaty filling! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Medium zucchinis are best for this recipe as they hold their shape well. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use bell peppers or eggplants as a tasty alternative.
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef to keep it healthier. You can also swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter option.
Onion & Garlic: These add great flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead—about 1 teaspoon of each should work.
Cheese: Mozzarella is melty and mild. If you’re looking for something stronger, try provolone or cheddar. You can also make it dairy-free by using vegan cheese, which melts well too.
Herbs and Seasoning: Italian seasoning is versatile, but if you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, use those for added freshness in flavor.
How Do You Prepare Zucchini Boats Without Them Getting Soggy?
Getting the right texture is key to an enjoyable zucchinis boat experience. Here are some tips to prevent sogginess:
- Bake the zucchini shells briefly before filling them. Just 5-10 minutes in the oven can help them hold up better.
- Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the filling. Cooking the meat and veggies well helps reduce excess liquid.
- A sprinkle of salt on the inside of the zucchini shells before filling can draw out extra moisture, which you can then pat dry.
These steps will help ensure your zucchini boats come out perfectly balanced in texture and flavor. Enjoy being creative with the fillings too!
Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
For The Cheesy Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making it roughly 40 minutes total. It’s an easy, quick meal to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your zucchini boats bake evenly and come out perfectly cooked.
2. Prepare the Zucchinis:
Wash the zucchinis and cut each one in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the seeds and pulp, creating “boats.” Be careful to leave about 1/4 inch thickness on the sides to hold the filling. Set the zucchini shells aside. Chop the pulp you scooped out into small pieces for later use.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and stir it until it’s soft, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, you may want to drain it off for a healthier dish.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now, stir in the chopped zucchini pulp, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes, which helps the flavors combine and reduces extra moisture. This is where the magic happens!
6. Mix in Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the filling. This will make it extra delicious!
7. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Arrange the zucchini boats in a baking dish, and evenly distribute the beef mixture into each of the zucchini shells, packing it in well. Top each stuffed zucchini with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that gooey finish.
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the zucchini to be tender and the cheese to be melted and slightly golden. This is where your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
9. Final Touches and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the zucchini boats cool for a couple of minutes. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, healthy ground beef zucchini boats!
FAQ About Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for ground beef. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based meat or lentils for a hearty filling.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini On Hand?
If zucchini isn’t available, you can use bell peppers, eggplants, or even acorn squash as a base for the filling. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the vegetable used.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftover cooked zucchini boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through. Note that reheating may soften the zucchini further.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and hollow out the zucchini ahead of time. Assemble the boats and in the refrigerator before baking, but bake them the same day for the best texture. If baking from cold, add a few minutes to the bake time.
