Stuffed Zucchini Boats With Ground Beef (Printable)
Tender zucchini halves loaded with seasoned beef, herbs, and melted cheese for an easy weeknight dinner.
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium tomato, diced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
→ Meats
06 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Dairy
07 - 3 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
→ Pantry
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise. Scoop out pulp with a spoon, leaving 1/2-inch thick shells. Finely chop the pulp and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add ground beef to skillet. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in chopped zucchini pulp, diced tomato, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until well combined and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley until evenly distributed.
07 - Arrange zucchini halves in a baking dish. Fill each with beef mixture, pressing lightly to pack filling securely.
08 - Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over stuffed zucchini tops.
09 - Cover baking dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
11 - Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The zucchini shells become impossibly tender while holding their shape, creating little edible vessels for all that cheesy beef goodness
- Everything cooks in one pan then one baking dish, meaning minimal cleanup maximum comfort
02 -
- Scooping too aggressively will create thin shells that collapse during baking, so aim for at least a half inch thickness to maintain structure
- The filling continues to absorb moisture while sitting, so stuff generously right before baking rather than preparing ahead
03 -
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for minimal cleanup, as cheese will inevitably melt over the edges
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion filling evenly between all eight zucchini halves