IRRESISTIBLE GROUND BEEF ZUCCHINI BOATS

Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Imagine biting into a tender zucchini “boat” overflowing with savory, seasoned ground beef, each bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors! These Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are not only incredibly delicious but also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies, making them a meal the whole family will love. Let’s get started and create a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!

The Stars of the Show: Ingredients

For the Zucchini Boats:

• 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gather Your Crew: Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Prep the Zucchini:

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border. Don’t throw away the zucchini pulp! We’ll use some of it in the filling.

2. Prepare the Zucchini Boats:

   Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Make the Ground Beef Filling:

   In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This is a great opportunity to use leaner ground beef to keep the recipe healthier! We are aiming for healthy Dinner Ideas With Hamburger Meat Healthy!

4. Sauté the Vegetables:

   Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped bell pepper and about half of the scooped-out zucchini flesh (chopped) to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the bell pepper is slightly tender.

5. Simmer the Sauce:

   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Stuff the Zucchini Boats:

   Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly into the zucchini halves.

7. Bake the Zucchini Boats:

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through.

8. Add the Cheese:

   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the zucchini boats. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

   Let the zucchini boats cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Zucchini Pulp Power-Up: Tips for Using the Leftovers

Don’t let the rest of that zucchini go to waste! You can add it to soups, stews, or even use it to make Zucchini Brownies. It’s a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value of your meals and reduce food waste.

Spice It Up: Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Swap: Try using a different type of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
• Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef.
• Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or spinach to the filling.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Make Ahead Magic: Prep Tips for Busy Bees

Want to get ahead of the game? You can prepare the ground beef filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the zucchini boats, simply reheat the filling and proceed with the recipe.

The Low-Down on Low-Carb: Health Benefits

These Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a great option if you’re looking for Meals With Hamburger Meat Healthy and low-carb alternatives to traditional Carb Dishes. Zucchini is low in calories and carbohydrates but high in vitamins and minerals. By stuffing them with a protein-packed ground beef filling, you’re creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

What to Serve with Your Zucchini Boats

These hearty zucchini boats are practically a meal in themselves, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, consider serving them with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup. For a different flavor profile, you might enjoy them after having Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet another night!

Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Boats Fresh

Leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Boats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through. They might be a little softer after being stored, but they’ll still be delicious!

Why These Are The Best Ground Beef Zucchini Boats Ever

These aren’t just any zucchini boats; they’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and a healthy way to enjoy a satisfying meal. The combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Plus, they’re so versatile! You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Feeling adventurous? Check out Mushroom Ricotta Zucchini Boats for another delicious variation! Or maybe you have a hankering for Ground Beef And Dumplings on a cold night! Don’t forget about the Zucchini Casserole Layers for another great side dish! Also, a quick and delicious option for a one-pan meal could be Ground Beef, Zucchini & Sweet Potato Skillet.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Every Bite!

So there you have it! Ground Beef Zucchini Boats – a delicious, healthy, and customizable meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and flavorful recipe. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

Alice Yowell

These Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a satisfying meal. Tender zucchini halves are filled with savory, seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese, making for a customizable and family-friendly dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Oven
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Halve the zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border. Reserve half of the zucchini pulp.
• Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish.
• Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Set aside.
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
• Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef.
• Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the chopped bell pepper and about half of the scooped-out zucchini flesh (chopped) to the skillet.
• Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the bell pepper is slightly tender.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly into the zucchini halves.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the zucchini boats.
• Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the zucchini boats cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Notes

Leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Boats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can prepare the ground beef filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the zucchini boats, simply reheat the filling and proceed with the recipe. Cheese Swap: Try using a different type of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan. Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef. Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or spinach to the filling. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat. Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!