These easy savory stuffed zucchini boats are a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! You’ll love the yummy filling made with ground meat, rice, and cheese, all baked to perfection.
I like to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking. It makes them all gooey and so good! Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in more vegetables, and who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Medium zucchini are perfect for boats! If you can’t find them, you can use yellow squash instead. Both are nutritious and have a mild flavor.
Ground Meat: Ground beef is a classic choice, but ground turkey or chicken works great too! If you’re vegetarian, swap in some black beans or lentils for protein.
Rice: I use white rice, but you can easily use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient, but feel free to use fresh tomatoes when they’re in season. Just chop them up and drain excess juice!
Cheese: Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, but you can replace it with pecorino if you have that on hand. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste.
How Do You Prepare Zucchini Boats Without Making a Mess?
Scooping out the zucchini can be tricky! Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Use a spoon with a curved edge to scoop out the center flesh; it helps to create nice boats.
- Don’t scoop too close to the skin; you want a sturdy shell to hold the filling.
- Chop the scooped-out flesh finely and include it in your filling—this way, you don’t waste any of the zucchini!
By following these tips, you’ll have neat and tasty zucchini boats ready to fill!
Easy Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchini
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at approximately 35-40 minutes to enjoy these delicious zucchini boats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the zucchini boats.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of the shell intact. This creates your little boats! Don’t throw away the scooped-out flesh; chop it finely and set it aside for the filling.
3. Set Up Your Baking Sheet:
Place the hollowed-out zucchini halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup later!
4. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, then sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Next, add the ground meat and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
5. Mix in the Other Ingredients:
After the meat is browned, stir in the chopped zucchini flesh, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well mixed and heated through.
6. Stuff the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to fill those zucchini boats! Spoon the savory filling evenly into each hollowed-out zucchini half.
7. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed zucchini. You can never have too much cheese, right?
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like, then serve hot. Enjoy your delicious, easy, and savory stuffed zucchini boats!
FAQ for Easy Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash, bell peppers, or eggplants. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose, as some may cook faster than zucchini.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Meat?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace ground meat with black beans, lentils, or quinoa. Just make sure your filling has enough protein to make it hearty!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked stuffed zucchini boats! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and they’ll last up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, then cook as directed.
