Description
Zucchini boats with ground beef turn simple vegetables into a satisfying main dish. Savory filling and tender zucchini create a comforting balance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack positioned in the center.
- Slice 4 medium zucchinis in half lengthwise, carefully hollowing out the center to create boat-like vessels using a spoon.
- Sauté 1 pound ground beef with 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in a skillet over medium heat until the meat turns completely brown, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Stir 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes and develop rich flavors.
- Generously spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each zucchini boat, ensuring an even distribution across all 8 halves.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the filled zucchini boats, covering the meat completely.
- Transfer the zucchini boats to a baking dish and place in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt and turn golden.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the zucchini boats rest for 3-4 minutes to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Scoop out zucchini centers carefully to create a sturdy boat that holds the beef mixture without breaking.
- Choose fresh, firm zucchinis about 8 inches long for the best texture and easier filling.
- For a lower-carb option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
- Sprinkle extra herbs like fresh basil or parsley on top after baking to enhance the flavor and add a bright, fresh element to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg