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Baked Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Baked Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini Boats for a Cozy Dinner Night

Baked Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini Boats are flavorful and customizable, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 boats
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini Shells
  • 2 medium Zucchini
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended
For the Filling
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white for best flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is best
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with turkey or chicken
  • 1 cup Chopped Zucchini Flesh From scooped-out zucchinis
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko or gluten-free options work
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Shredded
  • 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce Any marinara or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Season to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Season to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Season to taste
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Consider part-skim for lighter version
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border.
  3. Finely chop the reserved zucchini flesh and set it aside for the filling.
  4. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until soft.
  5. Add the ground beef, stirring until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
  6. Mix in chopped zucchini flesh, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Transfer the meat mixture into the hollowed zucchini halves, packing it down gently.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini boat.
  9. Place the filled zucchini boats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  10. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1boatCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow zucchini boats to rest with salt for 10 minutes before filling to reduce moisture and make them less soggy.

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