Description
Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are hearty, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. A low-carb weeknight favorite that’s simple to make.
Ingredients
6 small to medium zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
1 pound ground beef (or turkey or pork)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 fresh garlic cloves
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Pepper to taste
1.5 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda)
Instructions
1. Slice zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center flesh. Set aside the scooped flesh.
2. Lightly salt zucchini halves and let them sit cut-side up.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion until soft.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
5. Stir in tomato paste, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. Add tomato sauce and chopped zucchini flesh. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Uncover and simmer an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
8. Preheat oven to 360°F.
9. Arrange zucchini boats in a baking dish and fill with beef mixture.
10. Top with shredded cheese.
11. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
You can use any ground meat like turkey or pork.
Add a splash of broth if the filling looks dry.
Sprinkle with parmesan or use dairy-free cheese if preferred.
To prevent soggy zucchini, salt them and let sit before baking.
Leftovers freeze well—wrap tightly and store up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 289
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 865mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
Keywords: Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats