Description
A quick, delicious, and healthy weeknight meal! These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are ready in just 35 minutes, using simple ingredients and minimal fuss. Perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (8 ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out the flesh to create hollowed shells, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell. Place in a baking dish, cut-side up.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- 3. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4. Pour in tomato sauce, stir, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- 5. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the hollowed zucchini halves.
- 6. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 7. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each boat.
- 8. Return to oven uncovered and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden. Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning, watching carefully. Let rest before serving.
Notes
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 halves per serving
- Calories: Approx. 250-300 per serving (without toppings)
- Sugar: Approx. 5g per serving
- Sodium: Approx. 400mg per serving (using no-salt-added sauce)
- Fat: Approx. 15g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10g per serving
- Fiber: Approx. 3g per serving
- Protein: Approx. 25g per serving