There’s something truly special about home-cooked meals, isn’t there? They bring warmth and comfort, filling our homes with delightful aromas and our hearts with joy. One of my go-to recipes for a cozy family dinner is ground beef stuffed zucchini boats. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch. Zucchini is low in calories and high in vitamins, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. Paired with ground beef, which is rich in protein and iron, this recipe becomes a wholesome option for any night of the week. I love how the flavors meld together as they bake, creating a heartwarming dish that my family can’t resist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, these stuffed zucchini boats are sure to impress and nourish. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients List
4 medium zucchinis: Fresh and firm, these will be the boats for our filling.
1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
1 small onion: Finely chopped to add sweetness and depth to the filling.
2 garlic cloves: Minced for that aromatic flavor boost.
1 cup diced tomatoes: Use canned or fresh, depending on what you have on hand.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the dish’s flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the filling.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For a gooey, melty topping.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and brushing the zucchinis.
Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnishing and a pop of color.
How to Prepare Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Preheat and Prepare Zucchini
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a hollow space for the filling. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and place them cut side up in a baking dish. This step ensures they roast beautifully.
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting those flavors mingle. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. Stir in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Stuff the Zucchini
Now comes the fun part! Spoon the beef mixture into each zucchini half, packing it down slightly to ensure they’re filled well. Don’t be shy; you want each bite to be bursting with flavor. Once filled, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed zucchini. This will melt into a delicious, gooey layer as they bake.
Bake and Serve
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy your heartwarming meal!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying ground beef stuffed zucchini boats, you can feel good about what you’re eating. Each serving, which is one stuffed zucchini half, contains approximately:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 600mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this nutritious meal knowing it’s both satisfying and heart-healthy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients, zucchini is low in calories and high in vitamins.
Protein-Packed: Ground beef adds a hearty dose of protein, making this meal satisfying.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
Flavorful: The combination of spices, cheese, and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich flavor.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To make your ground beef stuffed zucchini boats even better, here are some pro tips:
Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for firm zucchinis that are not too large. Smaller ones tend to be sweeter and more tender.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Taste the beef mixture before stuffing to ensure it’s flavorful.
Mix It Up: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
Cheese Options: Try different cheeses like cheddar or feta for a unique twist.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the zucchinis; you want them tender but not mushy. Enjoy the perfect texture!
Variations
One of the best things about ground beef stuffed zucchini boats is how versatile they are! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
Vegetable Medley: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a kick of flavor. A dash of hot sauce can also add some heat!
Cheesy Goodness: Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or goat cheese for a creamy texture.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can elevate the dish. Just sprinkle them in the filling before baking.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your ground beef stuffed zucchini boats is easy! If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each stuffed zucchini half tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a healthy and heartwarming meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
4 medium zucchinis
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush with olive oil and place cut side up in a baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Spoon the beef mixture into each zucchini half, packing it down slightly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the stuffed zucchinis.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
