Name: Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped out; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup shredded cheese (Mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again thanks to these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious)! Imagine tender, roasted zucchini halves, stuffed to the brim with savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and bubbling melted cheese. This is a meal that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nourishment, making it a weeknight hero you’ll return to time and time again. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just looking for a more exciting way to enjoy your veggies, these zucchini boats are always a hit.

Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) lies in its short, everyday ingredient list. Each item plays a starring role, blending together for layers of comforting flavors, textures, and that oh-so-irresistible cheesy finish.

Zucchinis: Four medium zucchinis are your vessel; look for ones that are firm and uniform in size for easy stuffing and beautiful presentation.
Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef offers hearty flavor and protein, but feel free to use your preferred fat content.
Onion: Diced small onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the filling.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, bring that unmistakable depth and warmth.
Tomato Sauce: One cup of tomato sauce envelops the beef with a tangy, savory kick.
Shredded Cheese: One cup of mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan melts into a bubbling golden topping—choose your favorite or mix for best results.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is needed to sauté and bring the flavors together (plus a little extra to brush the zucchini).
Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon of this classic herb blend infuses the filling with a medley of Mediterranean goodness.
Paprika: Half a teaspoon adds gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste for a perfectly balanced bite every time.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious)

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

First things first—let’s get your zucchini “boats” oven-ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve your zucchinis lengthwise with a steady hand, then gently scoop out the centers with a spoon to create space for all that delicious filling. Don’t toss the insides—you can save them for soups or omelets! Brush the hollowed zucchini shells lightly with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Slide them into the oven for a quick 5–7 minute pre-bake, just enough to soften them up while still holding their shape for stuffing.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

Now it’s time to build the savory heart of these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and give the diced onions a few minutes to sweat and turn translucent. Add your minced garlic and let its aroma bloom for about 30 seconds. Next, crumble the ground beef into the skillet and cook until beautifully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it goes. If things get a bit greasy, go ahead and drain the excess fat. Stir in your tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle and become irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

With everything prepped and your house smelling incredible, it’s time for the fun part: assembling! Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each softened zucchini shell. Now, shower the tops with a generous handful of shredded cheese (I say there’s no such thing as too much cheese). Return the tray to the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling away. That cheesy crust is pure magic!

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) cool for just a minute or two—they’ll smell tempting but molten-hot inside! Finish with a sprinkling of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Plate them up while they’re hot and dig in immediately for the best cheesy, saucy bite.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious)

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, like basil or parsley, adds freshness and a pop of color to every serving. For a little extra zing, try a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or freshly grated parmesan right before serving.

Side Dishes

The best thing about Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) is their versatility—they pair beautifully with just about anything. Try them with a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted potatoes, or a fluffy mound of cauliflower rice to keep things light. For a more classic comfort food route, a side of warm garlic bread is always a winner!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your family or friends? Serve your zucchini boats nestled on a bed of arugula or baby spinach for a restaurant-worthy display. You could even arrange a platter with alternating slices of yellow squash for a colorful twist. Mini boats made with smaller zucchini are a charming (and kid-approved) appetizer or party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers will keep beautifully! Transfer cooled Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Their flavors only get better as they sit, making them fantastic for easy lunches.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, you absolutely can. Once fully cooked and cooled, wrap each zucchini boat tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick, but the oven helps retain that oven-fresh texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in seamlessly, creating a leaner version while still keeping all the flavor that makes Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) so crave-worthy.

Do I need to pre-bake the zucchini shells?

Pre-baking helps soften the zucchini just enough to prevent a crunchy bite, but if you love extra-firm zucchini or are short on time, you can skip this step—the boats will just be more al dente.

Will this recipe work with other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers and hollowed-out eggplants make wonderful substitutes or additions if you want some variety or need to use up extra produce.

Can I make Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and stuff the zucchini boats a day in advance—just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake and add the cheese for a freshly melty finish.

How do I keep the boats from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the zucchini and using lean ground beef helps prevent excess moisture. Avoid overstuffing, and if you like, sprinkle a tiny bit of salt on the zucchini and blot with paper towels before assembly to draw out any extra water.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed dinner that hits every note of comfort and wholesomeness, you can’t go wrong with Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious). They’re simple, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and let it become your next go-to favorite!

Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal. Tender zucchini halves are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, and cheese, then baked to perfection. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise, scoop out the center, brush with olive oil, and pre-bake for 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling – Sauté onion and garlic, then brown ground beef. Add tomato sauce, seasonings, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake – Fill zucchini boats with beef mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with sides.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices.
These zucchini boats can be a complete meal on their own or served with a side salad or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American