These Easy Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats are like little edible canoes filled with tasty goodness! Packed with veggies, cheese, and herbs, they make a fun and healthy meal.
Every bite is a delicious surprise, and they’re super easy to make. I love serving them with a side of rice or a fresh salad. You won’t have leftovers, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchinis for even cooking. If you can’t find zucchini, summer squash works too, but it will be a bit sweeter.
Meat or Lentils: I love using ground turkey for a lighter option, but any ground meat works. For vegetarians, lentils provide protein and a hearty texture. Canned beans are another great choice!
Cheese: Mozzarella is melty and delicious here, but feel free to use cheddar or feta for a different flavor. If dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese options!
Bell Pepper: Any color will do! Red or yellow adds sweetness, while green is more earthy. You can leave it out or replace it with spinach or mushrooms if desired.
How Do I Scoop Out Zucchini Without Ruining It?
Scooping out zucchini to make “boats” is easy with a small spoon. Here are some tips to do it right:
- Use a small spoon or melon baller for better control.
- Be gentle; don’t scoop too close to the skin to avoid breaking the sides.
- Leave about 1/4 inch of zucchini flesh to hold the filling.
- Save the scooped-out flesh for your stuffing—it adds great flavor!
With these tips, you’ll have perfect zucchini boats ready to be stuffed! Enjoy cooking!
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 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
- 1 cup cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) or cooked lentils for a vegetarian option
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious stuffed zucchini boats in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s all ready when you finish preparing the zucchini boats.
2. Prepare the Zucchinis:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the centers carefully, leaving about 1/4 inch of the flesh around the edges to form your “boats.” Don’t throw away the scooped-out zucchini; chop it up and set it aside for your filling!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic, chopped zucchini flesh, bell pepper, and diced cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the Filling Ingredients:
Now, stir in your choice of cooked ground meat or lentils, along with the dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes to let all those flavors melt together.
5. Mix in Cheeses and Parsley:
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the chopped parsley. This adds a nice creamy texture to your filling!
6. Stuff the Zucchini Boats:
Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish and spoon the delicious filling evenly into each boat. Top them off with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, golden finish!
7. Bake and Serve:
Bake your stuffed zucchini boats in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Feel free to sprinkle some extra parsley on top!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy savory stuffed zucchini boats! They make for a great meal any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Vegetables in the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match veggies depending on your taste and what you have on hand. Spinach, mushrooms, or even corn can be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for firmer vegetables.
How Can I Save Leftover Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
What If I Don’t Have Oven-Safe Dishes?
No worries! You can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you don’t have a baking dish. Just arrange the zucchini boats on the sheet and proceed with the recipe as directed!
Can I Make These Zucchini Boats Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground meat with cooked lentils, black beans, or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian option. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor and texture!
