Instant Pot Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey and Cheddar Recipe
Delicious and healthy Instant Pot Zucchini Boats stuffed with seasoned ground turkey and topped with melted cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. This quick and easy recipe combines lean protein and fresh vegetables, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Boats
- 2 large zucchini
- 1 cup water
Turkey Filling
- 1 pound ground turkey meat
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons pico de gallo
Instructions
- Cook the turkey filling: In a large skillet over medium heat or using the Instant Pot on Sauté mode, cook the ground turkey and diced onion until no pink remains. Stir in the taco seasoning, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Cook until well combined, then set aside.
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash the zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the centers to create boats. Chop the scooped zucchini if using.
- Pressure cook the zucchini: Add the trivet to the Instant Pot and pour in the water. Place the zucchini boats on the trivet with the hollow side facing up. Close the lid, set to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes. Perform a quick pressure release.
- Optional filling add-in: Add the chopped zucchini centers to the cooked turkey mixture and heat until tender, if desired.
- Drain and arrange: Carefully remove the zucchini boats and drain any collected liquid. Place them on a baking sheet or return them to the Instant Pot on the trivet.
- Fill and melt: Spoon the turkey mixture into the zucchini boats and top with shredded cheese. Broil on High for about 2 minutes to melt the cheese, or close the Instant Pot lid and let rest for 2 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Top with pico de gallo and chopped cilantro. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use ground chicken or beef as an alternative to ground turkey.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
- For a lower-carb option, omit the brown sugar or substitute with a low-calorie sweetener.
- The cheese can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe lactose-free.
- Broiling the cheese is optional; allowing it to melt in the Instant Pot lid also works well and keeps the recipe simpler.
Keywords: Instant Pot Zucchini Boats, Ground Turkey Zucchini, Healthy Zucchini Recipe, Low Carb Dinner, Easy Pressure Cooker Meal
