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