Description
Whip up these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats in just 35 minutes for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal. Simple, flavorful, and satisfying!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 medium zucchini
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can plain tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or blend)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash zucchini, trim ends, and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out flesh to create boats, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Reserve and finely chop scooped flesh.
- 2. Place zucchini boats on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly tender.
- 3. While zucchini bakes, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain grease.
- 4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened (3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add reserved zucchini flesh (if using) and cook for 2 minutes.
- 5. Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with juice). Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 6. Carefully remove pre-baked zucchini from oven. Spoon beef mixture generously into each boat.
- 7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of each filled zucchini boat.
- 8. Return to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and zucchini is tender.
- 9. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave in short intervals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 300-400 (varies with ingredients)
- Sugar: Approx. 5-8g
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and tomato products
- Fat: Approx. 15-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10-15g
- Fiber: Approx. 3-5g
- Protein: Approx. 25-30g