These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are fun and tasty! They feature tender zucchini filled with flavorful ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese, making them a satisfying meal.
Cooking them feels like a tasty science experiment! I love how simple they are—just hollow out the zucchini, fill, and bake. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in veggies! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Medium zucchinis are perfect for this recipe. If they’re not in season, you can use yellow squash instead; it has a similar texture and flavor.
Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef for its flavor, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Even plant-based ground meat will work if you’re looking for a vegetarian choice!
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch, but canned tomatoes are just as good. If you want extra flavor, look for diced tomatoes with herbs or seasoning.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, but you can swap it with cheddar or even vegan cheese for a different flavor. Parmesan is tasty, but if you don’t have it, nutritional yeast can add a similar cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do You Make Zucchini Boats That Are Tender Yet Not Soggy?
To get tender zucchini boats, it’s key to not overcook them. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Slice zucchinis in half and scoop out the insides, leaving a sturdy wall.
- Salt the insides lightly. This draws out moisture, preventing sogginess when baking.
- Pre-bake the hollowed zucchinis for about 10 minutes before filling. This makes them softer but not mushy.
Follow these tips, and your zucchini boats will be perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Other:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making a total of about 35 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your zucchini boats will bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise, and carefully scoop out the flesh using a spoon, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Be sure to set aside the scooped-out zucchini flesh for later use!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant, but be careful not to let them brown too much!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix in the Zucchini Flesh and Tomatoes:
Finely chop the reserved zucchini flesh and add it to the skillet, along with the diced tomatoes. Stir well to mix everything together.
6. Season the Filling:
Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and the mixture thickens slightly. Then, remove from heat.
7. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Carefully place the hollowed zucchini halves in a baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each zucchini boat generously with the beef mixture.
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of each filled zucchini. This will melt beautifully in the oven!
9. Bake the Zucchini Boats:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden. The aroma is going to be amazing!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the zucchini boats out of the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats!
Bon Appétit! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Meats Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be great substitutes for ground beef. Choose what you enjoy or have on hand!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with cooked quinoa, lentils, or a mix of vegetables and beans for a tasty vegetarian version. Just season well to ensure fantastic flavor!
How Do I Prevent Zucchini from Getting Soggy?
To avoid soggy zucchini, make sure to salt the insides lightly after hollowing them out to draw out excess moisture. You can also bake the zucchini shells for about 10 minutes before filling them with the beef mixture.
