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Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

  • Author: EMMA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 zucchini boats 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are packed with savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and bubbling melted cheese for a wholesome, comforting dinner everyone will love.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 small-medium zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 pound ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Wash zucchini thoroughly and slice in half lengthwise
  2. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving a sturdy shell
  3. Set the scooped flesh aside and arrange zucchini halves on a baking sheet
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
  5. Add diced onion and cook until softened
  6. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned
  7. Add tomato paste, basil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  8. Stir until fragrant and well combined
  9. Add tomato sauce and chopped zucchini flesh
  10. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes
  11. Remove lid and simmer another 5 minutes until slightly thickened
  12. Preheat oven to 360°F
  13. Spoon filling into zucchini halves
  14. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese
  15. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden
  16. Serve warm

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra golden cheese.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat (based on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg