Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 6 reviews

These Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy meal option, featuring zucchini halves hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, herbs, and cheese, then baked to perfection. This recipe combines fresh vegetables with hearty meat and rich tomato sauce for a satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Zucchini

  • 2 Medium Zucchini

Stuffing

  • ½ Pound Ground Beef
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Oregano or Marjoram or Savory Herb
  • 1 Teaspoon Basil (fresh or dried)
  • ½ Teaspoon Rosemary (fresh or dried)
  • ½ Cup Shredded Cheese

Sauce

  • 1 Cup Tomato Sauce
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Oregano or Marjoram or Savory Herb (Fresh recommended, dried can be used adjusting amount)
  • ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ Cup Shredded Cheese
  • Sliced zucchini parts (from hollowing out)

Topping and Finishing

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Prep Zucchini: Rinse and pat dry the zucchini. Cut off the ends and slice each zucchini in half lengthwise.
  2. Arrange Zucchini: Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish. If one piece is too long, trim it slightly to fit and slice the trimmed part to add to the sauce mixture.
  3. Hollow Out Zucchini: Using a spoon, hollow out the inside of each zucchini half, collecting the pulp. Divide the pulp into two bowls: one for the stuffing mixture and the other for the sauce mixture.
  4. Prepare Stuffing: In the bowl with half the zucchini pulp, add ground beef, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano (or marjoram or savory herb), basil, rosemary, and half of the shredded cheese.
  5. Mix Stuffing: Combine the ingredients thoroughly until well mixed.
  6. Prepare Sauce: In the second bowl, add the tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano (or marjoram or savory herb), onion powder, garlic powder, the sliced zucchini parts, and the remaining shredded cheese.
  7. Mix Sauce: Stir the sauce ingredients well to blend all flavors.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. Stuff Zucchini: Carefully fill each hollowed-out zucchini half with the ground beef stuffing mixture.
  10. Spread Sauce: Pour the prepared tomato and zucchini sauce mixture around and between the stuffed zucchini boats in the baking dish.
  11. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops of the stuffed zucchini boats and drizzle with olive oil.
  12. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the stuffing is cooked through.
  13. Serve: Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Choose medium-sized zucchini for easier handling and better stuffing.
  • Feel free to use dried herbs if fresh are not available, but adjust quantities as dried herbs are more potent.
  • For the shredded cheese, cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend work well.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • The zucchini pulp added to both stuffing and sauce adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/ground-beef-stuffed-zucchini-boats-recipe/