These Easy Italian Beef Zucchini Boats are a tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal! Filled with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese, they’re like a delicious mini casserole.
Getting your veggies in never tasted so good! Plus, you can have fun adding your favorite toppings. I love adding extra cheese on mine—because who can resist that melty goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: These are the star of the dish! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash can work too. They will create a similar boat and flavor.
Ground Beef: I often use lean ground beef, but you can switch it up with turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mix of beans instead.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes save time, but you can use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce if preferred. If you’re making it fresh, a mix of fresh tomatoes and a little tomato paste can work well too.
Herbs and Spices: Dried Italian seasoning is great, but feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them. Just remember to adjust the quantity as fresh herbs can be more potent. Some personal favorites to add are thyme and parsley!
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Boats Are Tender?
To achieve perfectly tender zucchini boats, it’s important to not overcook them before filling. Here’s how:
- Slice the zucchini and scoop them out, but leave some flesh to keep them sturdy.
- After filling, bake them uncovered. This allows moisture to escape and helps them cook evenly.
- Check for doneness around 20 minutes. Cook longer if necessary, but aim for that tender yet slightly crisp bite!
This method will ensure your zucchini boats stay deliciously flavorful while achieving that nice melting point for the cheese!
Easy Italian Beef Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
For Cooking:
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, wash the zucchinis clean. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise to create boats, and use a spoon to scoop out some of the seeds and flesh—this will make space for the filling. Set the scooped zucchini flesh aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes fragrant and translucent. Your kitchen should start to smell amazing!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, stirring until it’s browned completely. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s browned and cooked through!
4. Make the Filling:
Chop the reserved zucchini flesh finely and add it to the skillet with the cooked beef. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like spice), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well and let it simmer for around 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Assemble the Zucchini Boats:
Arrange the zucchini boats in a baking dish. Carefully spoon the beef mixture into each boat, making sure to fill them evenly. It’s okay if a little overflow happens—more flavor!
6. Add the Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the filled zucchini boats. Now, it’s time to bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the boats cool for a minute before garnishing with freshly chopped basil. This adds a delicious touch to each bite. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Italian Beef Zucchini Boats!
These boats are not only tasty but also a great way to sneak in those veggies. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Italian Beef Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, try using lentils or textured vegetable protein for a delicious meat-free version.
How Do I Know When the Zucchini Boats Are Done?
The zucchini boats are done when they are fork-tender and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes in the oven, but you can check a bit earlier to ensure they don’t overcook!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the zucchini boats and fill them with the beef mixture a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they go into the oven cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them in a microwave-safe dish.
