Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
A delicious and healthy recipe for Stuffed Zucchini boats filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and cheese, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines tender zucchini with flavorful fillings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a nutritious meal option.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked rice or breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Prepare Zucchini Boats: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully scoop out the insides of the zucchini halves to create hollow boats, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh around the skin to maintain structure. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside for the filling.
- Cook Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the chopped zucchini flesh, cooking until the meat is fully browned and cooked through.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomato, cooked rice or breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking the mixture for a few more minutes until all ingredients are well blended and heated through.
- Stuff Zucchini: Spoon the cooked filling mixture into the hollowed-out zucchini boats, pressing the mixture in tightly for a generous filling. Arrange the stuffed zucchini in a baking dish for baking.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses on top of each stuffed zucchini boat to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese topping is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow the stuffed zucchini to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve warm for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Using cooked rice adds texture; breadcrumbs work well to bind the filling.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini half
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: stuffed zucchini, zucchini boats, baked zucchini, ground beef recipe, healthy dinner, Italian seasoning, low fat meal