Description
These Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying low-carb dinner. Tender zucchini halves are filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with melty cheese, and baked to perfection. It’s the kind of easy weeknight meal that feels comforting but still light and fresh.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Scoop out the center of each zucchini half to create “boats,” leaving a thin border.
- Brush zucchini with olive oil and place in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each zucchini boat.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
If your zucchini are large, you may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
Don’t over-scoop the zucchini—leave enough structure so they hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 zucchini halves
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg