Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Zucchini boats are incredibly versatile—you can fill them with a variety of ingredients depending on your dietary preferences, from lean proteins like ground turkey or chicken to plant-based options like quinoa or lentils. Add some cheese, fresh herbs, and seasonings, and you’ve got a dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.
Let’s dive into why stuffed zucchini boats are so beloved and how to make them at home with a simple, customizable recipe.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Low-Carb & Nutrient-Packed: Zucchini boats are an excellent low-carb, gluten-free option for those seeking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing flavor or fullness. Zucchini is naturally low in calories but high in essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
Easy to Make: Stuffed zucchini boats are simple to prepare and don’t require any special skills or ingredients. After halving the zucchini and scooping out the seeds, you can fill them with almost anything—from meats and grains to veggies and cheese. The result is a quick and easy meal or side dish that’s ready in under an hour.
Customizable: The great thing about stuffed zucchini boats is that they’re incredibly adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. You can use ground meat, beans, or quinoa for a protein boost, and you can customize the flavors with your favorite herbs, spices, and sauces.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Stuffed zucchini boats are great for meal prepping. They store well in the fridge and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.
Kid-Friendly: If you have picky eaters at home, stuffed zucchini boats are a fun, hands-on meal that kids will enjoy helping prepare. Plus, the idea of “boats” makes the dish feel a little more exciting, and they’ll be more inclined to try the vegetables when they’re stuffed with delicious fillings.
Variations of Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed zucchini boats are incredibly customizable. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
Italian-Style Stuffed Zucchini: Instead of ground turkey, use ground beef or Italian sausage for a rich, savory flavor. You can also add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or olives, and top with marinara sauce and extra mozzarella for a classic Italian flair.
Mexican-Style Stuffed Zucchini: Use ground beef, turkey, or black beans for a more hearty filling, and add taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and diced bell peppers. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini: Stuff your zucchini with a mixture of quinoa, chickpeas, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley. This is a delicious vegetarian option full of flavor and texture.
Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini: For a fully plant-based version, use a combination of lentils, quinoa, black beans, or farro as the base, and add in chopped veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Top with a sprinkle of vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats: Make these boats feel like classic chicken Parmesan by using grilled or shredded chicken breast mixed with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of pasta for an indulgent but lighter version of this Italian favorite.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Use small to medium zucchinis: Larger zucchinis may have too much water content and can become mushy when baked. Stick with medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture.
Scoop gently: When hollowing out the zucchini, be careful not to puncture the skin. You want to create a sturdy boat that can hold the filling without falling apart.
Top with cheese: If you're a cheese lover, don't be shy with the cheese! A generous amount will melt beautifully over the filling and create a savory, gooey topping.
Meal prep: Stuffed zucchini boats make great leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, or microwave for a quicker option.
Stuffed zucchini boats are a fun, healthy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a weeknight meal, or just want to use up some extra zucchini, these boats are sure to satisfy. With endless options for filling ingredients and flavor combinations, you can customize your stuffed zucchini boats to suit any dietary preference or craving.
Give this simple yet delicious recipe a try, and let your creativity flow—your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large rectangular baking with with cooking spray.
- Cut off the ends and cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop the seeds out of the zucchini.
- Arrange the zucchini in the baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook beef for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
- Add the onion and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the onion is softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer; cook for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the zucchini shells, then top with the shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden brown.
