These easy savory stuffed zucchini boats are perfect for a light meal! They’re filled with a tasty mix of veggies, cheese, and spices, making them both filling and delicious.
Plus, they look super cute on the plate! I love making these when I have extra zucchini lying around. They’re quick to cook and a great way to sneak in some veggies! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Use medium-sized zucchinis for the best size to fill. If you can’t find them, yellow squash can work too! They offer a similar texture and flavor.
Olive Oil: I love the flavor of olive oil, but you can use canola or avocado oil if you prefer. These oils have a higher smoke point if you plan to cook at higher temperatures.
Ground Meat: Ground beef adds richness, but ground turkey or chicken are great lower-fat options. For a vegetarian dish, opt for cooked lentils, black beans, or even cauliflower rice!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is a time-saver, but homemade sauce can really elevate the dish! You can swap it for salsa if you want a spicier kick.
Cheese: I like using mozzarella for its meltiness, but feel free to mix it up with cheddar, provolone, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Boats Just Right?
Getting your zucchini boats to the perfect texture takes a little care. Here’s how you can nail it:
- When scooping out the flesh, be gentle — you want the sides to hold up and not break. Leave about half an inch of the zucchini for structure.
- Par-cook the zucchini before filling them; this prevents them from becoming too watery. You can bake them for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Watch the baking time! Once the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the zucchini is tender, it’s time to take them out. A quick poke with a fork can help check for tenderness.
These tips will help you serve delicious, perfectly cooked stuffed zucchini boats every time!
Easy Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes. Just think, you’ll have tasty, stuffed zucchini boats on your table in half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Zucchini:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Grab a spoon and carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh, making a “boat” shape that’s about 1/2 inch thick. Keep that scooped-out flesh aside for later!
2. Set Up Your Baking Dish:
Take your zucchini boats and place them on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Make sure they are snug but not overcrowded; this helps them cook evenly.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and the reserved zucchini flesh, chopping it finely as it cooks. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is softened.
4. Add the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef to your skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. This should take about 5 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
5. Mix in Sauce and Seasonings:
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors come together.
6. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Now it’s time to spoon the tasty meat mixture evenly into each zucchini boat. Don’t be shy about packing it in! Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each filled boat.
7. Bake:
Pop the zucchini boats into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly — delicious!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice pop of color. Serve them hot and enjoy your savory stuffed zucchini boats!
This recipe is wonderfully versatile — feel free to substitute the ground meat with Italian sausage or keep it vegetarian by using cooked lentils or beans. Enjoy the cheesy goodness! 🌱
FAQ for Easy Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is a favorite, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a spicier kick. For a vegetarian option, consider using cooked lentils or black beans instead.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that the marinara sauce you choose does not contain any added gluten or wheat products. You can also make your own sauce from scratch for complete control.
Can I Prepare These Zucchini Boats in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the zucchini boats and the filling in advance. Just fill the zucchini just before baking to avoid excess moisture. Store the unbaked boats covered in the fridge for up to a day.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave them for a quick option.
