These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a fun and tasty meal! Just hollow out some zucchinis, fill them with seasoned ground beef, and bake until tender and delicious.
I love how colorful and healthy they look on my dinner plate! Plus, you can add cheese on top—because who doesn’t love melted cheese? 😋
Making these boats is super simple. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a hearty meal. Trust me, they will disappear faster than you think!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis; they hold their shape better when baked. If zucchinis aren’t available, try yellow squash or eggplant as an alternative.
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken works as a lower-fat option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version!
Marinara Sauce: A store-bought marinara works great, but homemade is even better! Swap it with any tomato sauce you have. For a twist, try adding salsa for a little kick.
Cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to for its meltiness. You can replace it with Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy. Just make sure it melts well!
How Do I Hollow Out Zucchini Properly?
Hollowing out zucchini can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a sharp knife to cut each zucchini in half lengthwise; a steady hand helps with neat cuts!
- Take a spoon (a grapefruit spoon works well) and gently scoop out the flesh, being cautious not to puncture the skin. Leave about 1/4 inch of flesh for strength.
- Chop the scooped-out flesh and mix it into your beef filling for added flavor and nutrition!
Taking time to hollow the zucchinis can prevent them from getting too soggy when baking, so don’t rush this step!
Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes for baking, so you’re looking at a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, and packed with flavors everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Before anything else, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it gets nice and hot for the zucchini boats.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and then cut each one in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the center flesh from each half, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Make sure to reserve that zucchini flesh and chop it finely; you’ll need it for the filling!
3. Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re fragrant and the onion is softened (about 2-3 minutes). Then, add the ground beef, cooking until it’s browned. Don’t forget to break it up with a spoon as it cooks!
4. Mix in the Flavors:
Now, stir in the finely chopped zucchini flesh, diced bell pepper (if you’re using it), marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 4-5 minutes, so everything gets warm and well combined.
5. Fill the Zucchini Shells:
Grab your hollowed zucchini halves and place them cut side up in a baking dish. Spoon that delicious ground beef mixture evenly into each zucchini half, pressing down slightly to fill them up nicely.
6. Cheese It Up:
Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each filled zucchini boat. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Garnish the zucchini boats with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve them hot and enjoy!
There you go! Delicious and nutritious Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats—perfect for satisfying your hunger without a lot of fuss!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the zucchini boats, fill them with the beef mixture, and assemble everything in advance. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! You can use any kind of tomato sauce like diced tomatoes, pizza sauce, or even salsa for some added flavor. If you prefer a creamier filling, try adding some cream cheese or ricotta cheese!
