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Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner option. Hollowed zucchinis filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onion, garlic, and marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked until tender and bubbly. This recipe is simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 3 medium zucchinis
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Reserved zucchini flesh (from scooping out zucchinis)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Meat & Dairy

  • 1/2 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough when baking the zucchini boats.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis and slice them lengthwise in half. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create a boat shape, leaving about 1/4 inch thick walls. Save the scooped flesh for later use.
  3. Sauté the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  5. Add Zucchini Flesh: Chop the reserved zucchini flesh finely and add to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to soften and combine flavors.
  6. Mix in Sauce and Spices: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Stuff the Zucchini: Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the meat mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, filling generously.
  8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over each stuffed zucchini boat.
  9. Bake the Zucchini Boats: Arrange the boats on a baking dish or sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until zucchinis are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • For a vegetarian variation, omit meat and add cooked lentils or mushrooms instead.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more herbs or spices if desired.
  • If zucchinis are very watery, you can sprinkle a bit of salt on the hollowed boats and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture before stuffing.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed zucchini boats, easy dinner, ground beef zucchini, baked zucchini recipe, healthy stuffed vegetables, Italian zucchini boats

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/easy-stuffed-zucchini-boats-recipe/