These Low Carb & Keto Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the ultimate comfort food, giving you all the taste you crave while keeping the carb count low. Each boat is filled with savory ingredients, making it an easy and wholesome dinner option that your family will love. You can whip these up in just about 30 minutes, so you can have a hearty meal ready without all the fuss.
I remember the first time I tried stuffed zucchini boats. It was a warm summer evening, and I wanted something light yet filling. The moment I took a bite, I knew I’d found a treasure that would become a regular in my household. The zucchini serves as a delicious, low-carb vessel for a variety of fillings, and they’re so versatile that you can get creative with the ingredients.

Low Carb & Keto Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto, Low Carb
Description
These Low Carb & keto stuffed zucchini boats are filled with savory ingredients, providing a wholesome and delicious comfort food option for the family.
Ingredients
- 4 medium or large zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey (or beef)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Rao’s marinara sauce (or other sauce with no added sugar)
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch shell. Save the flesh for later.
- Arrange the zucchini halves in a large baking dish and spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until they are slightly softened, then remove from the oven.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and ground turkey, cooking until the turkey is browned.
- Chop the reserved zucchini flesh and add it to the pan along with the salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the veggies are softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Spoon the turkey mixture into the zucchini halves, filling them generously.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this delicious blend on top of the filled zucchini boats.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the zucchini is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
To prevent sogginess, ensure you don’t overbake the zucchini in the initial baking step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 boat
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Wholesome Stuffed Zucchini Delights
Why make these flavorful zucchini boats? Not only are they a great low-carb option, but they are also packed with protein, making them a trusted choice for those following a keto lifestyle. Plus, they incorporate fresh veggies, ensuring you get plenty of nutrients in each bite. It’s a cozy dish perfect for the family and wonderfully easy to prepare.
How to Make Low Carb & Keto Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients:
- 4 medium or large zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey (or beef)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Rao’s marinara sauce (or other sauce with no added sugar)
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch shell. Save the flesh for later. Arrange the zucchini halves in a large baking dish and spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until they are slightly softened, then remove from the oven.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and ground turkey, cooking until the turkey is browned. Chop the reserved zucchini flesh and add it to the pan along with the salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the veggies are softened. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Spoon the turkey mixture into the zucchini halves, filling them generously. In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this delicious blend on top of the filled zucchini boats.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the zucchini is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Enjoy your stuffed zucchini boats, served warm!
Serving Suggestions for Your Zucchini Boats
You can serve these cozy stuffed zucchini boats alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving can elevate the dish even more.
Tips for Storing Your Zucchini Boats
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare with these tasty boats!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. They can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave, making for a quick and satisfying meal!
Tricks to Perfecting Your Zucchini Boats
To prevent sogginess, ensure you don’t overbake the zucchini in the initial step. A little crunch is perfect! You can also add different vegetables or spices to the filling based on personal preferences for an extra flavor kick.
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ground turkey for sausage, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute. You can also experiment with different cheeses—feta or cheddar can add a delightful twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make these zucchini boats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and scoop out the zucchini a day in advance. Just assemble and bake when you are ready to enjoy.
2. Can I freeze the stuffed zucchini boats?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed boats before baking them. Just ensure they are stored in a freezer-friendly container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
3. Are there any good substitutes for the marinara sauce?
Certainly! Any low-sugar tomato sauce or homemade tomato sauce can work wonderfully. You could even try pesto for an herby flavor.
With these Low Carb & Keto Stuffed Zucchini Boats, you get a deliciously satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners. They’re healthy, filling, and super quick to prepare, making them a frequent guest in my kitchen that I hope you’ll enjoy just as much!