Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) Recipe
These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a healthy and delicious meal option, featuring tender zucchini halves stuffed with a flavorful ground beef mixture and topped with melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, this recipe is a simple way to enjoy a nutritious dinner that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped out to create “boats”
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
Beef Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center to create hollow boats. Lightly brush the zucchini halves with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Pre-bake the zucchini boats for 5-7 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Cook the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble & Bake: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the pre-baked zucchini boats. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed zucchini. Place the baking sheet back into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish the zucchini boats with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for additional flavor. Serve immediately with your choice of sides for a complete, delicious meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the dish healthier.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.
- You can switch up the cheese depending on your preference – mozzarella gives a nice melt, while parmesan adds a sharper flavor.
- Make sure not to overstuff the zucchini boats to avoid spilling during baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: ground beef zucchini boats, healthy zucchini recipe, stuffed zucchini, easy beef recipes, low carb dinner