Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed Zucchini Boats – Baked tender zucchini stuffed with a rich meat sauce and topped with a mound of melty cheese. Stuffed Zucchini is easy to make and this recipe is one of THE best ways to enjoy zucchini for dinner! 

Table of Contents

• STUFFED ZUCCHINI
• HOW TO MAKE STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS
• WHAT TO SERVE WITH STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS
• Get the Recipe

Few years ago an abundance of zucchini ⬅ that’s putting it lightly – from my garden + leftover Taco Beef in the fridge inspired me to make this stuffed zucchini recipe.

Ana and Aleksandra wanted tacos, the husband wanted zucchini lasagna, and all I wanted was to EAT. 😏 

Thus, badda bing badda boom, we had Stuffed Zucchini Boats for dinner and we all lived happily ever after… or, until dinner time the next day. 🤷‍♀️ 

STUFFED ZUCCHINI

Stuffed Zucchini is a dish with your vegetables and your meaty entree all in one. It is basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases. Add a simple side salad and a big bottle of wine, and you’re SET! Trust me. We do it all the time. 

HOW TO MAKE STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

• Start with slicing the zucchini in half, lengthwise.
• Using the tip of a spoon, scrape out the zucchini flesh. 
• Spread a bit of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange zucchini boats, flesh-side up, over pasta sauce and sprinkle with salt; set aside.
• Next, prepare the Taco Beef filling; recipe here ➡ Taco Beef and Rice.
• Wipe down the prepared zucchini boats with paper towels and fill them with prepared beef mixture. No specific amount – just spoon in what the zucchini will hold.
• Add a bit more pasta sauce or marinara sauce over zucchini boats and top with cheese.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and mixture is bubbly.
• Remove from oven and let stand few minutes before serving. 

WHAT TO SERVE WITH STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

• Apples and Bacon Salad
• Tomato Salad with Sweet Onions
• Roasted Tomato Soup
• 15-Minute Fettuccine

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

• Store stuffed zucchini leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

HOW TO FREEZE STUFFED ZUCCHINI

• Allow the stuffed zucchini boats to cool COMPLETELY, first.
• Store the zucchini boats in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. If you have to stack the zucchini to fit, use wax paper in between the layers.

MORE ZUCCHINI RECIPES

• Cheesy Bacon and Corn Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Baked Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips
• Healthy Apple and Zucchini Bread
• Gluten Free Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

ENJOY!

TOOLS USED IN THIS RECIPE

T-fal E76507 Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12 Inch Fry Pan with Lid,...

HIC Oblong Rectangular Baking Dish Roasting Lasagna Pan, Fine White...

Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife, 8-Inch Chef's FFP

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Katerina | Diethood

Baked tender zucchini stuffed with a rich meat sauce and topped with a mound of melty cheese.

5 from 14 votes

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Servings : 6 servings

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 55 mins

Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 3 medium zucchini
• ▢ salt
• ▢ 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
• ▢ 1 recipe for Taco Beef and Rice Skillet <--- click to get the recipe
• ▢ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400˚F.
• Grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish; set aside.
• Cut the zucchini in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the flesh with the tip of a spoon.
• Arrange the zucchini boats in the baking dish, flesh-side UP; sprinkle salt over each boat and set aside.
• Prepare the Taco Beef mixture.
• Once you've cooked the beef, wipe down the zucchini boats with paper towels.
• Fill the boats with the prepared beef mixture. No specific amount – just spoon in what the zucchini will hold.
• Top each zucchini boat with remaining marinara sauce and add cheese on top.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and mixture is bubbly.
• Remove from oven and let stand a few minutes.
• Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

WW FREESTYLE POINTS: 8

 

NOTE:

• If counting carbs and/or calories, I would suggest to leave out the rice in the beef recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 zucchini boat | Calories: 409 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Protein: 27 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Cholesterol: 62 mg | Sodium: 853 mg | Potassium: 1183 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 9 g | Vitamin A: 675 IU | Vitamin C: 23.3 mg | Calcium: 121 mg | Iron: 1.3 mg | Net Carbs: 41 g

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian, Mexican/Southwest

Keyword: baked zucchini, easy zucchini recipes, stuffed zucchini, taco beef, zucchini boats

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