Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy zucchini, filled with seasoned ground meat, marinara sauce, and topped with gooey cheese. This dish transforms a humble vegetable into a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving a quarter-inch thick shell.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground turkey or beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Once the meat is cooked, stir in half of the chopped zucchini flesh and marinara sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Place hollowed zucchinis in a baking dish and fill them with the meat mixture. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and browned.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
To prevent watery boats, salt the hollowed zucchini shells and let them sit for 10 minutes before stuffing. Ensure the filling is thick to avoid sogginess.