Looking for a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your dinner? These stuffed zucchini boats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. They’re perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or even entertaining guests with a healthy twist.
Imagine tender zucchini filled to the brim with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and flavorful spices. It’s a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without weighing you down. Plus, you can customize the stuffing based on your preferences or what you have on hand!
These zucchini boats are an excellent way to enjoy low-carb comfort food, packed with nutrients and flavor. With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of savory goodness complemented by the fresh taste of zucchini.
Creating the Filling
To begin the stuffed zucchini boats, focus on crafting a savory filling that brings all the flavors together.
Start by cooking chopped onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat. This will create a fragrant base for your filling. Once softened, add ground beef or turkey and continue to cook until browned, ensuring the meat is fully cooked before moving on.
Incorporate cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and any reserved zucchini flesh into the skillet. Adding Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper will enhance the flavor profile, making each bite satisfying.
Preparing the Zucchini
Choosing the right zucchini is crucial for the dish’s success. Opt for medium-sized zucchini, as they provide the perfect balance of flesh to stuffing.
Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the center to create a hollowed-out boat. Save the flesh you remove for use in the filling. This step is essential, as it allows the zucchini to transform into a vessel for the flavorful mixture.
Assembling the Dish
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to stuff the zucchini. Spoon the savory mixture generously into each hollowed zucchini half.
After filling the zucchini, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will create a delightful cheesy crust as it bakes, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
Baking to Perfection
For optimal results, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking. Placing the stuffed zucchini in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with foil will help steam the zucchini as it cooks.
Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and allow the cheese to bubble and brown for an additional 10 minutes. This method ensures the zucchini becomes tender while the cheese achieves a lovely golden finish.
Garnishing and Serving
Once the zucchini boats are out of the oven, take a moment to garnish them with fresh parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh flavor that complements the savory filling.
Serve these stuffed zucchini boats hot for a comforting dinner option. They are not only visually appealing but also offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes that leave a lasting impression.
Enjoying the Meal
The stuffed zucchini boats make for a versatile meal that can suit various dietary preferences. They are a delightful way to incorporate vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a hearty dish.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a simple weeknight meal, these zucchini boats provide a satisfying balance of nutrition and flavor that can be tailored to your liking. Pair them with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
Delicious Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
These savory stuffed zucchini boats are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, all baked to perfection. The zucchini becomes tender, absorbing all the hearty flavors, creating a comforting and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Zucchini: Scoop out the center of the zucchini halves using a spoon, creating boats. Set aside the scooped flesh for later use.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix the Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, reserved zucchini flesh, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Combine well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Stuff the Zucchini: Spoon the meat mixture into the hollowed zucchini halves. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the tops with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Drizzle with olive oil and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
