Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) Recipe
These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats offer a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal featuring tender zucchini filled with savory ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Author: Natali
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis (halved lengthwise and scooped out to create “boats”)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Prepare the Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the center flesh using a spoon to create hollow boats for the filling. Lightly brush the hollowed 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, which helps prevent sogginess after filling.
- Cook the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Assemble & Bake
Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly into each pre-baked zucchini boat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of each filled zucchini. Return the loaded zucchini boats to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Pre-baking the zucchini helps prevent sogginess after filling.
- Use your choice of shredded cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
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