Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef are a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping things fresh and balanced. Tender zucchini halves are hollowed out and filled with a savory ground beef mixture, seasoned with herbs, garlic, and tomato sauce, then baked until perfectly tender and topped with melted cheese. The result is a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
This recipe is a wonderful alternative to traditional stuffed casseroles or pasta dishes, offering all the flavor you crave with extra vegetables built right in. It’s a smart, flavorful way to turn simple ingredients into an impressive and nourishing meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition. The zucchini becomes tender without losing its shape, while the beef filling is rich, savory, and satisfying. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can change the seasoning, swap the protein, or add different cheeses to suit your taste.
Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it great for a variety of dietary needs.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Hearty yet healthy
- Low-carb and gluten-free
- Family-friendly and filling
- Simple ingredients with big flavor
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Once you try these zucchini boats, they’re sure to become a regular on your dinner table.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 (2 boats per person)
- Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Cooking Directions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out centers.
- Chop zucchini pulp and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped zucchini, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
- Fill zucchini boats with beef mixture.
- Top with cheese and bake until tender and bubbly.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare Zucchini: Slice zucchini lengthwise and scoop out flesh.
- Chop Filling: Finely chop the scooped zucchini flesh.
- Cook Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Brown Beef: Add beef and cook until no longer pink.
- Add Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, seasoning, and zucchini pulp.
- Stuff Boats: Fill zucchini evenly with beef mixture.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle cheese generously on top.
- Bake: Cook until zucchini is tender and cheese melts.
How to Serve Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
- Serve hot with a fresh green salad
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Garnish with fresh herbs
- Serve as a standalone low-carb meal
Recipe Tips
- Don’t scoop zucchini too deeply
- Drain excess fat from beef
- Pre-bake zucchini for extra tenderness if needed
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
Variations (Detailed)
Mexican-Style Zucchini Boats
Use taco seasoning, salsa, and Mexican cheese blend.
Italian Zucchini Boats
Add marinara sauce and Italian sausage.
Cheesy Keto Version
Use full-fat cheese and add cream cheese.
Turkey Zucchini Boats
Swap ground beef for ground turkey.
Vegetarian Version
Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigerator
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Keeps well for 3–4 days
Freezer
- Freeze baked zucchini boats for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight before reheating
Reheating
- Reheat in oven or microwave until hot
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking dish
- Large skillet
- Spoon or melon baller (for scooping zucchini)
- Cutting board and knife
Conclusion
Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef are a flavorful, comforting, and wholesome dish that proves healthy meals can still be incredibly satisfying. With tender zucchini, savory beef filling, and melty cheese, this recipe delivers big flavor while keeping things light and balanced.
Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef are a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping things fresh and balanced.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
-
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out centers.
-
Chop zucchini pulp and set aside.
-
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic.
-
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
-
Stir in chopped zucchini, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
-
Fill zucchini boats with beef mixture.
-
Top with cheese and bake until tender and bubbly.
