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Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) Recipe

Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats recipe is a healthy and delicious meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Zucchini halves are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of sautéed ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. These low-carb boats are flavorful, satisfying, and simple to prepare, making them a great option for a wholesome family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped out to create “boats”
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Meat & Dairy

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center, creating hollow boats for the filling. Lightly brush the zucchini halves with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Pre-bake the zucchini boats for 5 to 7 minutes to soften them slightly.
  2. Cook the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  3. Assemble & Bake: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the pre-baked zucchini boats. Top each boat with a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.
  4. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish the zucchini boats with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Try different cheese varieties like mozzarella for a milder taste or parmesan for a sharper flavor.
  • Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in other dishes.
  • For extra veggies, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture when cooking.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring your tomato sauce and seasonings contain no gluten.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef zucchini boats, healthy dinner, low carb meal, stuffed zucchini recipe, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/easy-ground-beef-zucchini-boats-healthy-and-delicious-recipe/