Description
These zucchini boats stuffed with ground beef are hearty, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender zucchini, savory filling, and melted cheese on top, this recipe is both comforting and wholesome—an easy dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
4 medium zucchini
1 lb ground beef (lean recommended)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small onion, diced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers with a spoon, leaving a small border. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and arrange in a baking dish.
Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain any excess grease. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Spoon the beef mixture into each zucchini half. Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with parsley before serving
Notes
To prevent soggy zucchini, sprinkle them with salt after scooping, let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry before filling.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a flavor twist.
Add cooked rice, quinoa, or veggies like peppers or mushrooms to stretch the filling.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
Freeze unbaked stuffed zucchini for up to 2 months—bake from frozen, adding extra time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 zucchini boats
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: zucchini boats, ground beef recipes, stuffed zucchini, easy weeknight dinners