Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
These easy zucchini boats are stuffed with a savory ground beef mixture and baked until melty and delicious. A simple and satisfying meal perfect for using garden zucchini.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 6 small-medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground beef and pork
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil optional
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves freshly minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or more to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 15oz can tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds to form boats.
- Set aside prepared zucchini boats. In skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with spoon.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Cook another 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil if using.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the zucchini boats.
- Place filled boats in a baking dish, cover with foil and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered 5 minutes to melt and brown cheese.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with more fresh basil.
Notes
Make ahead: You can prep zucchini boats in advance. Store leftovers covered for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or oven at 350°F wrapped in foil until heated through.