Name: Amazing Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Your 30-Minute Dinner Savior
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Looking for a delicious and easy dinner option that will impress your family or guests? These stuffed zucchini boats are the perfect solution! Packed with flavorful ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a true dinner savior for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering and savory filling for the zucchini boats.
Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have these zucchini boats ready to bake in no time.

Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these stuffed zucchini boats ahead of time for an easy and delicious meal during the week.

Ingredient Notes:

Medium zucchini: The zucchini serves as the base for these stuffed boats, adding a fresh and healthy element to the dish.
Tablespoon of olive oil: Used to sauté the ground beef or turkey and onions, adding a rich flavor to the filling.

Pound of ground beef or turkey: Provides a protein-packed and hearty filling for the zucchini boats.
Medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the filling.
Garlic, minced: Enhances the overall taste of the dish with its aromatic and pungent flavor.

(Ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a juicy and tangy element to the filling.
Tomato sauce: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds a rich tomato flavor.
Teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning: Infuses the filling with classic Italian herbs and spices.

Teaspoon of salt and black pepper: Seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the zucchini boats, adding a gooey and cheesy finish.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish.

Tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the finished zucchini boats.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow center.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef or turkey until browned.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, simmering for a few minutes.

Fill each hollowed-out zucchini boat with the meat mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Top the zucchini boats with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Helpful Tips:

For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with cooked quinoa or lentils.
Add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

To save time, prepare the filling in advance and assemble the zucchini boats right before baking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use a melon baller or teaspoon to easily scoop out the seeds from the zucchinis without damaging the skin.

Don’t overcook the zucchinis before filling them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Experiment with different cheese blends, such as cheddar or feta, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

These stuffed zucchini boats pair perfectly with a side salad, garlic bread, or a light pasta dish. Serve with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a complete meal.

Amazing Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Your 30-Minute Dinner Savior

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, allow the zucchini boats to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze these stuffed zucchini boats?
While zucchinis tend to become watery when frozen, you can freeze the filling separately and stuff fresh zucchinis when ready to bake.

Can I make these zucchini boats ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the zucchini boats.

Conclusion:

These amazing stuffed zucchini boats are a delicious and easy dinner option that will become a new family favorite. With their great flavors, quick prep time, and versatile ingredients, they are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out for you!