Irresistible Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
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.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9x13 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!