Best Ever Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe: A Healthy, Cheesy Favorite
These stuffed zucchini boats are an easy, healthy dish filled with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly low-carb, cheesy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini (about 8 inches)
- 3/4 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Minced fresh parsley and marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- Trim the ends off the zucchini and cut each in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp, leaving 1/2-inch shells. Finely chop the pulp and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped zucchini pulp, onion, mushrooms, red pepper, and green pepper. Use a spoon to break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared zucchini shells and place them in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tops of the zucchini boats.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the zucchini is tender to the touch. For added flavor, garnish with minced parsley and serve with marinara sauce, if desired.
Notes
Optional: Customize for dietary needs by using plant-based meat or different cheeses. Sprinkle salt on zucchini shells before baking to prevent sogginess.