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Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings (8 halves) 1x

Description

These hearty zucchini boats are filled with a savory ground beef and tomato mixture, then topped with melted, bubbly cheese. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchini (about 8–10 inches each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for seasoning zucchini
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more for seasoning zucchini
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or preferred melting cheese)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  • Pre-bake Zucchini (optional): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Season inside with salt and pepper. Place cut-side up in a baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes to tenderize and release moisture. Pat dry.
  • Brown Beef & Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat. Push beef to one side, add diced onion, and sauté until translucent (5-7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Assemble Filling: Combine beef and aromatics. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Stuff Zucchini Boats: Arrange zucchini halves in a baking dish. Generously fill each boat with the ground beef mixture, mounding it slightly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each boat.
  • Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until zucchini is fork-tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins

Find it online: https://mytastedz.com/stuffed-zucchini-boats-with-ground-beef/