Zucchini boats with ground beef are a delicious and hearty vegetable dish that can be served as a main course or a tasty side to any dinner! This recipe features zucchini stuffed with ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper, then topped with marinara, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs! It's a great way to transform your favorite summer squash into a dish that will be loved by kids and adults alike!
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Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds and flesh with a spoon to create a hollow center.
Brush the inside of each zucchini boat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it is browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet, stir to combine, then spoon the ground beef mixture into each zucchini boat, filling it to the top.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs over each zucchini boat.
Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and serve the zucchini boats immediately.
Notes
You can use sweet Italian sausage instead if you prefer a milder flavor.
Add other ingredients, such as chopped mushrooms or spinach, to the sausage mixture. Reserve the insides of the zucchini, chop, and add to the filling mixture if desired.
If you want a low-carb version, skip the marinara sauce and simply top the zucchini boats with cheese.
The extra marinara (if there is any) can be poured around the base of the zucchini boats to bake in and serve with your meal, spoon over the top if desired.
If you want to save time, you can prep the zucchini boats ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake them. Just add the sausage mixture and cheese before baking.
To store: If you have any leftover zucchini boats, you can store them in the fridge for a few days.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the zucchini boats from the fridge and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the zucchini boats in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the zucchini boats in the microwave by placing them on a microwave-safe plate and microwaving them for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. However, microwaving the zucchini boats may result in a softer texture.
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