I love finding easy ways to make vegetables the star of a meal, and zucchini boats are a fantastic choice. They are versatile, simple to make, and let you create healthy, filling dinners without a lot of fuss. If you’re looking for new dinner ideas, you’ve come to the right place!
Today, I’m sharing four of my favorite zucchini boat recipes. Whether you like ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even a lasagna style, these ideas will help you get dinner on the table. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward and packed with good ingredients. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats Recipe
- 2. Easy Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- 3. Easy Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats Recipe
- 4. Easy Keto Zucchini Lasagna Boats Recipe
Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats for Dinner
If you’re looking for a simple, hearty meal, these ground beef zucchini boats are a perfect choice. They are packed with flavor and make a great weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Zucchini Selection: Pick medium-sized zucchini, not too big, so they cook evenly and are easy to handle.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep it healthy, or drain any extra fat after browning.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the beef mixture for more taste.
What You Need
- 2 large zucchini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
⏱️ Time: 40 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and some flesh to make a boat shape. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook Filling
Brown the ground beef with chopped onion in a large pan over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the tomato sauce and some of the scooped zucchini flesh. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Step 3: Stuff & Bake
Place the hollowed zucchini halves on a baking sheet. Fill each zucchini boat with the beef mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for best results.
Easy Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These ground turkey taco zucchini boats bring all your favorite taco flavors into a healthy, low-carb meal. They are super easy to prepare and a fun way to eat your vegetables.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Turkey Choice: Use lean ground turkey for a light meal, or ground chicken works well too.
- Taco Seasoning: Don’t skip a good quality taco seasoning mix to get that authentic flavor.
- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings like salsa, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt after baking.
What You Need
- 2 large zucchini
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
⏱️ Time: 35 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the zucchini lengthwise. Scoop out the insides to create boat shapes. Place them on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Make Taco Filling
Cook ground turkey in a pan over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain any fat. Add the taco seasoning and water, stir well, and let it simmer until the mixture thickens.
Step 3: Assemble & Cook
Fill each zucchini boat with the taco turkey mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
Serve these hot with a side of fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness and flavor.
Easy Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats Recipe
Enjoy the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a new, low-carb way with these easy keto zucchini boats. They are simple to make and very satisfying for dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cooked Chicken: Use shredded leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose a sugar-free or low-carb marinara sauce to keep it keto-friendly.
- Cheese Blend: A mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and texture.
What You Need
- 2 large zucchini
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup low-carb marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
⏱️ Time: 45 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Zucchini Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp to form boats. Place them on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Mix Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, low-carb marinara sauce, and half of both the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Bake Boats
Fill the zucchini boats with the chicken mixture. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
📝 Final Note
For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some almond flour “breading” on top before baking for a texture boost.
Easy Keto Zucchini Lasagna Boats Recipe
Get all the comforting layers of lasagna without the pasta in these easy keto zucchini lasagna boats. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic meal while sticking to your low-carb goals.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Ricotta Cheese: Use full-fat ricotta for a creamy texture and better flavor in a keto diet.
- Meat Sauce: A good meat sauce (beef, pork, or a mix) is key for the lasagna taste. Make it ahead to save time.
- No Watery Zucchini: After scooping, you can lightly salt the zucchini boats and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat dry.
What You Need
- 2 large zucchini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup meat sauce (keto-friendly)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
⏱️ Time: 50 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Boats
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center pulp to make boat shapes and place on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Layer Filling
Spread a layer of ricotta cheese inside each zucchini boat. Then, add a layer of your prepared keto-friendly meat sauce. You can repeat these layers if space allows in the boat.
Step 3: Cheese & Bake
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
Let the lasagna boats rest for a few minutes after baking before serving; this helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to eat.