Description
These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. They combine fresh zucchini with a savory meat and vegetable filling, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Chop the scooped-out zucchini pulp and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped zucchini pulp, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until some of the liquid has evaporated.
- Arrange zucchini shells in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each zucchini shell.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the filling for more flavor and nutrients.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with cooked lentils or quinoa.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 boat
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg