These Healthy Mexican Zucchini Boats are stuffed with flavorful beans, cheese, and spices. They make a tasty and colorful dish that’s fun to eat and good for you!
I love how easy they are to prepare—just hollow out the zucchini, fill them up, and bake. Plus, who can resist the melty cheese on top? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Medium zucchinis are key since they create the perfect boat shape. If zucchinis aren’t available, you can also use yellow squash. They work in the same way!
Black Beans: They add protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan, kidney beans or pinto beans are good alternatives. Canned or cooked dried beans both work well.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but frozen corn is just as good—plus, it’s super convenient! You might also try black olives for a different flavor.
Cheese: I love using a Mexican blend cheese for flavor, but mozzarella or cheddar are great substitutions if that’s what you have on hand. You can even use a dairy-free cheese for a plant-based option.
How Do You Scoop Zucchini Without Making a Mess?
Scooping out the zucchini is a simple but important step. You want to create a nice cavity for all that delicious filling! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scrape out the flesh with a spoon.
- Be careful—leave about 1/4 inch of zucchini around the edges for stability.
- All that scooped-out flesh can be saved for the filling! Just chop it up and add it to your skillet.
Taking your time with this removes the worry of breaking the zucchini. It’s all about keeping those walls intact!
Healthy Mexican Zucchini Boats with Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or mozzarella
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying these tasty zucchini boats in about 30 minutes. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it time to heat up while you prepare the zucchini boats.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis and carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch thick walls to keep them sturdy. Don’t forget to set the scooped flesh aside—you’ll need it soon!
3. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté them until they become soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, chop the reserved zucchini flesh and add it to the skillet along with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook this mixture for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through and blended nicely.
4. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Next, place the hollowed zucchini halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making it easy to clean up later. Spoon the delicious filling into each zucchini boat, packing it in lightly so it fits perfectly.
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the filled zucchini boats. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese has melted beautifully and turned golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, carefully remove the zucchini boats from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for extra flavor and color. Serve them warm as a healthy main dish or a festive side. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! If you don’t have black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans. Just drain and rinse them to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Can I Make These Zucchini Boats Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just stuff the hollowed zucchinis, sprinkle with cheese, and follow the baking instructions. This makes for a quick weeknight meal!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced mushrooms, spinach, or even some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re adding ingredients that require longer cooking.
