Description
Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a healthy low-carb dinner featuring zucchini halves stuffed with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, herbs, and melted cheese, then baked until bubbly and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers to create boats.
- Brush zucchini halves lightly with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
- Pre-bake the zucchini for 5 to 7 minutes to soften slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté diced onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat and stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the zucchini boats.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Pre-baking the zucchini helps prevent excess moisture.
- Medium zucchini work best because they cook evenly.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 70