Ground Beef Zucchini Boats – Easy & Healthy Dinner Idea

In my kitchen, comfort food always meets simplicity, and these Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are the perfect example of that balance. I created eminentrecipes.com to share approachable, family-friendly meals that feel special without being complicated. This recipe reflects my love for wholesome ingredients, cozy flavors, and practical cooking. These easy ground beef zucchini boats are hearty, healthy, and designed for busy home cooks who want delicious results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are everything I believe weeknight dinners should be: simple, flavorful, and nourishing. When you need easy ground beef zucchini boats that come together without stress, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of tender zucchini and savory ground beef creates a balanced meal that feels hearty but not heavy.

You will love how customizable these zucchini boats with ground beef can be. Add rice for classic zucchini boats with ground beef and rice, keep them low carb for healthy ground beef zucchini boats, or skip tomato sauce for a lighter twist. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the method is straightforward, making this one of the best zucchini boats with ground beef for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

These ground beef zucchini boats are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual entertaining. They bake in one dish, minimize cleanup, and provide a comforting, protein-packed dinner the whole family will request again and again.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The beauty of Ground Beef Zucchini Boats lies in their simple yet powerful ingredients. Fresh zucchini creates the perfect edible base, while seasoned ground beef delivers rich, savory flavor. Tomato sauce adds moisture and depth, though you can easily make zucchini boats with ground beef no tomato sauce for a different spin. Cheese melts into a golden topping that ties everything together. Optional rice transforms them into zucchini boats with ground beef and rice for a heartier version. Each ingredient plays a key role in making these healthy ground beef zucchini boats satisfying and balanced.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4 – 8 zucchini halves):

For the Zucchini:
4 medium zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Ground Beef Filling:
1 pound ground beef
½ small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup cooked rice (optional)
¾ cup tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Optional Add-Ins & Variations:
¼ cup crumbled feta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Pesto or cream sauce instead of tomato sauce

How to Make This Recipe

Making Ground Beef Zucchini Boats is straightforward and perfect for a busy schedule. Start by preparing the zucchini shells, which form the base of these easy ground beef zucchini boats. Browning the ground beef properly ensures rich flavor, especially when making best zucchini boats with ground beef. If adding rice, mix it into the savory filling for classic zucchini boats with ground beef and rice. Baking allows the zucchini to become tender while the cheese melts beautifully over the seasoned ground beef mixture.

🛒 Steps:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and slice zucchini lengthwise. Scoop out centers to form boats.
Step 2: Brush zucchini with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess grease.
Step 4: Add onion, garlic, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer until thick.
Step 5: Stir in cooked rice if making zucchini boats with ground beef and rice.
Step 6: Spoon filling into zucchini shells and top with cheese.
Step 7: Bake 25–30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden.

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfect Ground Beef Zucchini Boats depend on moisture control and balanced seasoning. Lightly salting zucchini before filling helps prevent watery results, especially when making healthy ground beef zucchini boats. For deeper flavor in the best zucchini boats with ground beef, allow the beef to brown well before adding sauce. If preparing zucchini boats with ground beef no tomato sauce, compensate with herbs, garlic butter, or pesto to maintain richness. Always avoid overbaking, which can make zucchini too soft.

💡 Expert Tips:

Salt zucchini and let sit 10 minutes before stuffing.
Use lean ground beef for healthier ground beef zucchini boats.
Drain excess liquid from beef to prevent soggy boats.
Add feta and oregano for Greek stuffed zucchini with ground beef.
Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for golden cheese topping.
Let boats rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

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Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are the perfect balance of comfort and wholesome cooking. They are easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and ideal for both busy weeknights and relaxed family dinners. Whether you prefer zucchini boats with ground beef and rice, a no tomato sauce version, or a Greek-inspired twist, this recipe adapts beautifully. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, these ground beef zucchini boats will quickly become a reliable favorite in your kitchen rotation.

Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (8 halves) 1x

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Description

Tender zucchini halves stuffed with a savory ground beef filling, seasoned to perfection and baked until bubbly and golden. These easy ground beef zucchini boats are hearty, healthy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Customize them with rice, cheese, Mediterranean flavors, or even make them without tomato sauce for a low-carb option.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4 – 8 zucchini halves):

For the Zucchini:

• 4 medium zucchini

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup cooked rice (optional, for zucchini boats with ground beef and rice)

• ¾ cup tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano for Greek style)

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Optional Add-Ins & Variations:

• ¼ cup crumbled feta (for Greek stuffed zucchini with ground beef)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Substitute tomato sauce with pesto or cream sauce for a no-tomato version

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center flesh with a spoon, leaving a ¼-inch border to form boats.
Brush with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place cut side up in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Mix in tomato sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in cooked rice if using.

Step 3: Stuff the Zucchini

Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly into each zucchini boat.
Top with shredded cheese (and feta if making a Greek version).

Step 4: Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

 

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or Parmesan before serving.

Notes

• Healthy Option: Use lean ground beef or swap half with ground turkey.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip rice for keto-friendly ground beef zucchini boats.
• No Tomato Sauce: Replace tomato sauce with garlic butter, Alfredo, or pesto.
• Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
• Freezer Friendly: Freeze fully baked boats for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Category: Main Course / Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean Inspired