Italian-Style Zucchini Boats with Savory Beef Filling
Transform your garden-fresh zucchini into a mouthwatering delight with these Italian-Style Zucchini Boats. This recipe showcases the natural flavors of fresh zucchini, tender ground beef, and a medley of vegetables enhanced with aromatic Italian herbs. The vibrant colors and textures combine to create a visually appealing dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Top it off with melted mozzarella cheese for a creamy finish that ties all the flavors together. This satisfying and nutritious meal is a fantastic way to use up your zucchini surplus while treating your taste buds.
6-8
Servings
400
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (raw)
large onion
1 (chopped)
large green pepper
1 (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
soft breadcrumbs
1 1/4 cups (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
tomato sauce
2 (8 ounces) cans (divided)
medium tomatoes
2 (coarsely chopped)
medium zucchini
4-5 (halved lengthwise and scooped)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, green pepper, jalapeño pepper, soft breadcrumbs, beaten egg, dried parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Gently fold in the coarsely chopped tomatoes and one can of tomato sauce into the meat mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
4
Prepare the zucchini by slicing each zucchini lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out the center of each half, leaving approximately 1/4 inch of the flesh intact to create a sturdy shell.
5
Place the zucchini halves in two 13x9 inch baking dishes, cut side up.
6
Generously fill each zucchini boat with the savory meat mixture, packing it lightly.
7
Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed zucchini boats.
8
Cover the baking dishes with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9
Remove the foil, allowing the zucchini to continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the meat is cooked through.
10
In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed zucchini. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish warm!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of Italian-Style Zucchini Boats?
The main ingredients are 4-5 medium zucchini and 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How should I prepare the zucchini shells?
Slice each zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of the flesh to create a sturdy shell.
What vegetables are included in the savory beef filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, large green pepper, seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper, and coarsely chopped tomatoes.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes one seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper, which adds a mild spice level to the dish.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese are used to top the zucchini boats.
How long do the zucchini boats need to bake in total?
The total baking time is approximately 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 15 minutes uncovered.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dishes with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 27.5g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 18.75g of carbohydrates.
What herbs and seasonings are used?
The recipe uses dried parsley flakes, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
What size baking dish is required?
The recipe requires two 13x9 inch baking dishes.
What is the purpose of the egg in the recipe?
One beaten egg is used as a binder to help the meat mixture hold its shape.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
Two 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce are used, with one can mixed into the beef and the other poured over the boats.
Can I use different meat for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you could theoretically substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 22.5g of fat per serving.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 cups of soft breadcrumbs.
When do I add the cheese?
The mozzarella cheese should be sprinkled over the boats during the last few minutes of baking until melted and bubbly.
How do I know when the zucchini boats are done?
The dish is ready when the zucchini is tender, the meat is cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should the tomatoes be peeled?
The recipe calls for medium tomatoes to be coarsely chopped; peeling is not specified.
How do I ensure the zucchini boats are sturdy?
By leaving 1/4 inch of the zucchini flesh intact during the scooping process, you create a sturdy shell for the filling.
Is this a good recipe for garden-fresh zucchini?
Yes, it is specifically described as a fantastic way to use up a zucchini surplus from the garden.
Are there any tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include zucchini, stuffed zucchini, italian recipe, ground beef, cheese, and healthy dinner.
How much salt is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One large onion should be chopped before being added to the meat mixture.
How many zucchini are required?
You will need 4 to 5 medium-sized zucchini.
Can I serve this dish immediately?
It is recommended to let the dish cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as both a healthy dinner and comfort food.