Baked Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Beef
Baked Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Beef are a delightful summer dish that combines tender zucchini with a savory ground beef filling, topped with gooey melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and visually appealing. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Halve the zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce and cooked rice; season with salt and pepper. Simmer until heated through.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each zucchini half and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the zucchinis are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For alternative proteins, use ground turkey or plant-based meat. Add diced bell peppers or olives for extra flavor. These boats can be assembled ahead of time; just increase baking time if refrigerated.