Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats – Simple & Satisfying Dinner

There’s something about scooping warm, cheesy filling into a tender zucchini shell that feels like weeknight magic. The first time I made these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats, it was out of desperation and a fridge full of “use-me-now” produce. They turned out so flavorful and hearty, they’ve been on repeat ever since. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

• 6 small to medium zucchini – halved lengthwise and scooped out
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 pound ground beef – or ground turkey or pork
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – rich and concentrated
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – for a saucy, savory base
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional) – adds brightness
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs or oregano – for that classic flavor
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda

Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

You’ve got options, and this recipe loves a good swap. Out of ground beef? Go with turkey for a lighter version or pork for deeper flavor. No cheese? Parmesan adds a sharp kick, or skip cheese altogether if you want to lighten things up. Fresh basil is lovely, but dried herbs work just fine. If your zucchini are large, slice them into thick rounds instead of boats for a fun twist.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

Prep the Zucchini

Slice each zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center flesh with a spoon, making a “boat.” Don’t toss the scooped flesh—you’ll chop it up and add it to the filling. Lightly salt the boats and let them sit cut-side up while you prep the rest. This helps draw out excess moisture.

Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the tomato paste, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chopped zucchini flesh and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, then uncover and simmer another 5 to reduce extra moisture.

Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 360°F. Arrange zucchini boats in a baking dish and fill each one generously with the beef mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. The cheese should be just starting to brown, and the zucchini should be fork-tender but not mushy.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

To avoid soggy zucchini boats, salt the zucchini before filling and bake them uncovered. If your meat is fatty, drain off the grease before adding sauce. Need more moisture? Add a splash of broth. Want thicker filling? Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer. For perfect cheese topping, broil the last 2 minutes until lightly golden.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place cooled boats on a tray to flash-freeze, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from fridge at 360°F for about 30 minutes. From frozen, cover and bake for 1 hour.

What to Serve with Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

Make it a meal with simple sides that let the flavors shine. A scoop of garlic butter rice, or a creamy tomato ground beef orzo skillet dinner, complements beautifully. Fresh sides like a tomato cucumber avocado salad, or roasted broccoli also work great. For something bolder, try these stuffed zucchini boats with bold seasoning or a zucchini pizza casserole packed with cheesy flavor.

FAQs

More Recipes You’ll Love

If these hit the spot, don’t miss out on:

• Stuffed Bell Peppers – hearty, easy to customize, and great for meal prep
• Zucchini Fritters – crispy outside, tender inside, and packed with veggies
• Low-Carb Taco Casserole – a bold, satisfying twist on taco night

You’ve got dinner covered. Want more ideas and updates? Follow along on Pinterest or connect with the community on Facebook.

Pin this recipe for later or leave a comment if you tried it—I’d love to hear what swaps you made or how your family liked it!

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