Best 7 Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipes

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**Savory and Satisfying Stuffed Zucchini Boats: A Culinary Delight**

Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed culinary journey with our delectable Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These oven-baked zucchini boats are a delightful combination of tender zucchini, savory beef filling, and a medley of aromatic spices. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an ideal dish for a wholesome meal.

This comprehensive recipe guide will walk you through the culinary adventure of crafting these delectable stuffed zucchini boats. From selecting the perfect zucchini to preparing the irresistible beef filling, you'll discover all the essential steps to create this dish. Additionally, we'll introduce you to a delightful variation, the Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini Boats, a plant-based twist on this classic recipe that is equally bursting with flavors.

Buckle up for a culinary adventure as we delve into the world of stuffed zucchini boats, a dish that promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you yearning for more. Let's embark on this flavor-filled journey and create a dish that will become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GARDEN-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS



Garden-Stuffed Zucchini Boats image

Not only are these boats a delightful way to get your veggies, they're basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases-just grab your favorite garden goodies and add any spices or mix-ins you like. -Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 medium zucchini
3/4 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups water, divided
3/4 cup canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes or chopped fresh tomatoes (with seeds and juices)
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
1/3 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup uncooked ditalini or other small pasta
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
Pasta sauce, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Halve zucchini lengthwise; place cut sides down in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scoop out seeds, leaving a 1/4-in. shell., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion, green pepper and garlic over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in 1 cup water, tomatoes, red peppers, mushrooms, pasta, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook until mixture is thickened and pasta is al dente, 12-15 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese., Spoon mixture into zucchini shells. Place in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with 3/4 cup Italian cheese blend. Pour remaining water into bottom of dish. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Serve with pasta sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 489 calories, Fat 24g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 992mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

ZUCCHINI BOATS WITH GROUND BEEF



Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef image

These zucchini boats with ground beef are a delicious, refreshing dish--good served on a bed of rice or with garlic toast and salad.

Provided by celloldy

Categories     Fruits and Vegetables     Vegetables     Squash

Time 1h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 medium zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 large carrot, grated
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (3.5 fluid ounce) wine glass red wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup beef stock
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with foil.
  • Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Chop and reserve about 3/4 of the seeds for the stuffing.
  • Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add zucchini boats and cook uncovered for 4 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef; cook and stir until browned and broken into very small pieces, 5 to 7 minutes. Add rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper and stir some more. Quickly add reserved chopped zucchini pulp, onion, and carrot; continue to cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in red wine and Worcestershire and allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add beef stock and cook for 3 minutes more. Simmer until mixture reduces, about 10 minutes.
  • Place zucchini boats in the foil-lined dish and divide meat mixture evenly between them. Sprinkle each with mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is browned and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 383.5 calories, Carbohydrate 12.4 g, Cholesterol 79 mg, Fat 23.6 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 25.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 293.6 mg, Sugar 5.5 g

BEEF-STUFFED ZUCCHINI



Beef-Stuffed Zucchini image

This ground beef and zucchini recipe is a delightful summer meal. For a change of pace, substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for the marinara in this baked stuffed zucchini. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 medium zucchini
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup marinara or pasta sauce
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells. , Place shells in an ungreased 3-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion and zucchini pulp over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat; stir in the marinara sauce, egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup cheese., Spoon about 1/4 cup into each shell. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer or until a thermometer inserted into filling reads 160° and zucchini are tender. If desired, broil zucchini 3 in. from the heat for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Serve with additional marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 420 calories, Fat 25g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 143mg cholesterol, Sodium 735mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 33g protein.

ZUCCHINI BOATS



Zucchini Boats image

After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. -Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 medium zucchini (about 8 inches)
3/4 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons ketchup
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Trim the ends off zucchini. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving 1/2-in. shells. Finely chop pulp. , In a skillet, cook beef, zucchini pulp, onion, mushrooms and peppers over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat. Add 1/2 cup cheese, ketchup, salt and pepper; mix well. Spoon into the zucchini shells. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° until zucchini is tender, 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 calories, Fat 20g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 337mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

BEEF STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS



Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats image

Provided by Layla

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 10

6-8 medium zucchini (or 12 small)
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup marinara sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375F. Slice zucchini in half, and carve them out with a spoon. Chop the zucchini 'meat' and set it aside. Line zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with oil.
  • Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet. Cook onion for 2-3 minutes or until it begins to golden. Ad the garlic and cook for a few seconds. Add meat and cook until it's no longer pink, 3-5 minutes. Add the marinara sauce, zucchini pulp, italian seasoning and salt + pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
  • Spoon mixture into zucchini boats and top each with a drizzle of cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheesy is fully melted and bubbly.

BEEF STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS



Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats image

If you're looking for yet another way to serve zucchini, try this flavorful entree from Michael Weaver of Norman, Oklahoma. "I received this recipe from a friend at work," he writes. "His wife fixes it for him, and he says it's his favorite. It's great when you have extra squash and don't know what to do with it."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 medium zucchini
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice off the bottoms so they sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells. Place zucchini shells in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. , In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in water and soy sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. , Fill each zucchini shell with 2 tablespoons meat mixture. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; microwave 1-2 minutes longer or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 674mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

BEEF & BULGUR-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS



Beef & Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini Boats image

My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.-Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 medium zucchini
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
1-1/2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup bulgur
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out flesh, leaving a 1/4-in. shell; chop flesh., In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and red pepper over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, bulgur, pepper and zucchini flesh. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 12-15 minutes or until bulgur is tender. Stir in salsa. Spoon into zucchini shells., Place in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or until zucchini is tender and filling is heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 361 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 714mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Zucchini: Select firm and medium-sized zucchini with a deep green color and smooth skin. Smaller zucchini tend to have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
  • Prepare the Zucchini Properly: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon or melon baller. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the zucchini, as you want to leave enough flesh for stuffing.
  • Season the Zucchini: Before stuffing, sprinkle the inside of the zucchini halves with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings. This will help enhance the flavor of the zucchini and the filling.
  • Use High-Quality Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (80/20) to ensure a juicy and flavorful filling. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or lamb for a richer flavor.
  • Pack the Filling Tightly: When stuffing the zucchini halves, press the filling in firmly to ensure it stays intact during baking. Avoid overstuffing, as this can cause the zucchini to burst open.
  • Bake at the Right Temperature: Bake the stuffed zucchini boats at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) for a short period (about 20-25 minutes) to prevent the zucchini from becoming too soft and mushy.
  • Garnish Before Serving: Before serving, sprinkle the stuffed zucchini boats with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Conclusion:

Beef-stuffed zucchini boats are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. With their combination of savory ground beef filling, tender zucchini, and flavorful seasonings, these stuffed zucchini boats are sure to please everyone at your table. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique variations of this classic recipe. The tips provided in this article will help you achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful stuffed zucchini boats every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this delightful dish!

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