Simple Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Name: Simple Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Author: Tessa

Published: September 9, 2025

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Stuffed Zucchini Boats have become a staple in my kitchen, transforming simple garden bounty into a satisfying, healthy meal that truly delights. I first stumbled upon this concept years ago when my own zucchini plants went into overdrive, leaving me with an abundance of beautiful, fresh squash. I wanted something more exciting than just grilled zucchini, and that’s when the idea of stuffing them came to mind. It was an instant hit!

This recipe is my go-to for a reason: it’s incredibly versatile and appeals to almost everyone, whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a way to sneak in extra veggies, or just a really flavorful dinner. Over the years, I’ve refined this recipe, making it super easy to follow while maximizing all those wonderful savory flavors. I’m all about creating delicious, nutritious meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen, and these Stuffed Zucchini Boats fit the bill perfectly.

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Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Zucchini Boats

The Appeal of Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Healthy and Flavorful Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, making them a fantastic healthy choice without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. The tender zucchini, savory meat filling, and bubbly cheese create a symphony of tastes that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Quick and Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together! With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this Stuffed Zucchini Boats recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a fuss-free way to get a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table.

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Essential Equipment for Making Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Tools for Perfect Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Making delicious Stuffed Zucchini Boats doesn’t require any fancy gadgets, just a few kitchen essentials. You’ll want a sturdy baking dish to hold your zucchini halves, a large skillet for cooking the savory filling, and a spoon or melon baller for scooping out the zucchini pulp. A good sharp knife is also key for safely prepping your vegetables.

Ingredients for Delicious Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Fresh Produce for Your Stuffed Zucchini Boats

The star of our show, of course, is the zucchini! You’ll need four medium zucchini, ideally firm and fresh from the market. We’ll be cutting these in half lengthwise and scooping out their tender pulp, which we’ll chop up and add right back into our filling for extra flavor and nutrients. Don’t forget a medium onion, finely chopped, and a vibrant bell pepper (any color you love!) also chopped. Fresh garlic, minced, adds that essential aromatic base.

Savory Filling Components for Stuffed Zucchini Boats

For the hearty base of our filling, I love a pound of lean ground beef, but feel free to swap it out for ground turkey or even ground lamb if you prefer. We’ll also use one (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained, to add moisture and a lovely tang. To season, we’ll reach for dried oregano and dried basil – classic Italian flavors that really make these Stuffed Zucchini Boats sing. A good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper will tie everything together.

Cheesy Topping for Stuffed Zucchini Boats

No Stuffed Zucchini Boats would be complete without a golden, bubbly cheese topping! We’ll use a generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for that perfect melt and stretch. For an extra layer of savory depth, a quarter cup of grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top makes all the difference. It’s the crowning glory of this delicious dish!

How to Prepare Stuffed Zucchini Boats Step-by-Step

Prepping Your Zucchini for Stuffed Zucchini Boats

The first step to perfect Stuffed Zucchini Boats is getting your zucchini ready. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish – this will make cleanup so much easier later! Next, take your four medium zucchini and carefully cut them in half lengthwise. You want nice, even halves so they cook consistently. Now for the fun part: grab a spoon or a melon baller and gently scoop out the pulp from each zucchini half, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell. Be careful not to go too thin, or your boats might not hold their shape. Don’t discard that scooped-out pulp! We’re going to chop it up finely and set it aside to add to our delicious filling, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Crafting the Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats Filling

Now, let’s build that incredible filling! Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your pound of ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat – we want flavor, not grease! Next, toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté these until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This creates a wonderful aromatic base for our Stuffed Zucchini Boats. Finally, stir in the chopped zucchini pulp you set aside, along with the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, and basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Assembling and Baking Your Stuffed Zucchini Boats

With your filling ready and your zucchini prepped, it’s time to bring it all together for your Stuffed Zucchini Boats! Arrange the hollowed-out zucchini shells in your prepared baking dish. Once they’re nestled in, spoon the savory meat and vegetable mixture evenly into each zucchini shell, mounding it slightly. Don’t be shy – really fill them up! For the grand finale, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each boat, followed by a dusting of grated parmesan cheese. Now, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese on top is gloriously melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for a truly satisfying meal!

Tips for Success with Your Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Expert Advice for the Best Stuffed Zucchini Boats

To ensure your Stuffed Zucchini Boats are always a hit, remember a few key tips. Don’t overcook the zucchini before stuffing; you want it tender-crisp, not mushy. For alternative proteins, ground beef works wonderfully, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey, ground beef, or even cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. To boost the flavor even more, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling adds a subtle kick, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the savory notes. If you find your zucchini releasing too much water during baking, a quick pre-bake of the empty shells for 5-10 minutes can help reduce excess moisture, though usually, it’s not an issue with this recipe.

Storing and Reheating Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Keeping Your Stuffed Zucchini Boats Fresh

To keep your leftover Stuffed Zucchini Boats fresh, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual boats in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure they are fully chilled before freezing.

Enjoying Leftover Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Reheating your Stuffed Zucchini Boats is simple! For refrigerated boats, pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. From frozen, you can reheat them in the oven at the same temperature for 30-40 minutes, covering loosely with foil if they start to brown too much. They taste almost as good as fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Can I Make Stuffed Zucchini Boats Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Stuffed Zucchini Boats are fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the filling completely and even stuff the zucchini shells up to a day in advance. Store the assembled boats, uncooked, in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply pull them out and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since they’ll be going into the oven cold.

What Are Some Vegetarian Options for Stuffed Zucchini Boats?

There are so many delicious ways to make these Stuffed Zucchini Boats vegetarian! Instead of ground beef, you can use cooked lentils, quinoa, or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and spinach. Sauté these with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, then proceed with the rest of the recipe. You could also add crumbled plant-based ground beef for a similar texture.

How Do I Prevent My Stuffed Zucchini Boats from Becoming Watery?

The key to avoiding watery Stuffed Zucchini Boats is all in the filling preparation. Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and drain off any excess fat. Also, when you simmer the filling after adding the diced tomatoes and zucchini pulp, allow it to cook for the full 5-10 minutes, or until some of the liquid has evaporated. This concentrates the flavors and reduces the moisture content, ensuring a perfectly textured boat.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed Zucchini Boats: A Healthy Choice

These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are not just delicious, they’re a healthy choice too! Each serving (approximately 1/2 boat) comes in at around 350 Calories, with 20g Fat (9g Saturated, 8g Unsaturated, 0.5g Trans), 15g Carbohydrates (4g Fiber, 8g Sugar), 28g Protein, 550mg Sodium, and 70mg Cholesterol. Please remember, these are estimated values and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use. For more recipe ideas, you can visit Simply Recipes.