Are you ready to dive into a deliciously healthy meal that the whole family will love? I’m excited to share my recipe for Stuffed Zucchini Boats! These little beauties are not only packed with flavor but also make for a fantastic option for quick family dinners. With ground turkey, quinoa, and gooey cheese, they’re a delightful twist on traditional zucchini dishes. Plus, they’re perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something nutritious and satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and nutritious, making it a great choice for Healthy Zucchini Boats.
- Easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
- Fun and interactive for the whole family to help with.
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Stuffed Zucchini Boats, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1 pound ground turkey (or beef)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Creating Stuffed Zucchini Boats is simple when you follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Zucchini: Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh using a spoon, creating a boat-like structure. Reserve the scooped-out flesh for later use.
- Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
- Incorporate the ground turkey (or beef) into the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in the reserved zucchini flesh, cooked quinoa (or rice), diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Spoon the filling generously into each zucchini half. You may have extra filling—feel free to use it for another dish or bake alongside the boats!
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each filled zucchini boat for that cheesy delight.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Healthy Stuffed Zucchini Boats turn out perfectly:
- Feel free to swap out the ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor. You can also try using Ground Beef Stroganoff as a filling!
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or feta for a unique twist.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with black beans or lentils.
- Make sure to not overcook the zucchini; you want them tender but still holding their shape.
How to Serve
These Stuff Zucchini Boats are perfect as a main dish, but they can also be served alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread. If you’re looking for more weeknight dinner ideas, consider pairing them with a side of Beef with Broccoli or a comforting Cattle Drive Casserole. The options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare these Baked Stuffed Zucchini Boats ahead of time, you can assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
So there you have it! A delightful recipe for Stuffed Zucchini Boats that’s not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Stuffed Zucchini Boats: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise, scoop out flesh, and reserve.
- Cook diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Mix in zucchini flesh, cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Stuff zucchini halves with the filling, top with shredded mozzarella, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.