Description
Delicious and easy-to-make ground beef zucchini boats filled with a savory tomato and herb mixture, topped with melted cheese, perfect for a comforting and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Boats
- 6 small-medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground beef and pork)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or dried oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves freshly minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda)
Instructions
- Prep zucchini: Wash 6 small-medium zucchini well, then slice each in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scoop out the flesh and set it aside. Arrange the zucchini halves on a baking sheet, ready for filling.
- Brown beef and season: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned evenly. Stir in tomato paste, fresh basil if using, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the mixture.
- Finish filling: Add the canned tomato sauce and the scooped-out zucchini flesh to the skillet. Chop the zucchini flesh if desired for a more even filling. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Then remove the lid, stir well, and simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to thicken.
- Fill and bake: Preheat the oven to 360°F (182°C). Spoon the beef and tomato filling into the prepared zucchini halves. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
- Fresh herbs like basil add a nice touch but are optional.
- Cheese options can vary; mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda all melt well.
- Chopping the zucchini flesh before adding to the filling helps with even texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
