Go Back

30-Min Ground Beef Zucchini Boats

A quick and healthy dinner featuring high protein ground beef zucchini boats topped with melted cheese for a satisfying family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchinis halved lengthwise and scooped out
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheese mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • large skillet
  • Small Spoon or Melon Baller

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice zucchinis in half and scoop out the centers. Brush with olive oil and pre-bake on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the pre-baked zucchini boats.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over each filled zucchini.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pre-baking keeps the zucchini tender without becoming mushy. Ensure you drain the beef well to prevent a watery filling. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge before baking.