Savory Beef-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Discover a delightful twist on dinner with these Savory Beef-Stuffed Zucchini Boats. This vibrant dish brings together tender zucchini shells filled with a flavorful mixture of lean ground beef, sweet onion, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines microwave and stovetop cooking techniques to get a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Serve alongside extra marinara sauce for a satisfying, wholesome meal that the whole family will love.
4
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
4 (medium, halved lengthwise and pulp scooped out)
Lean ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Sweet onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Marinara sauce
3/4 cup (for stuffing plus 1 cup for serving)
Seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup (for binding)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (shredded, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your microwave and prepare a 13x9-inch microwave-safe dish by leaving it ungreased.
2
Wash and cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice a thin piece off the bottom of each half so they can sit flat. Scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch shell.
3
Arrange the zucchini shells in the prepared dish, ensuring they are stable. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes or until the zucchini is crisp-tender. Carefully drain any excess moisture and set the shells aside.
4
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the beaten egg, marinara sauce, seasoned bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until well combined.
6
Spoon roughly 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into each zucchini shell, packing it firmly. Place the stuffed zucchini back into the microwave-safe dish.
7
Cover the dish and microwave the stuffed zucchini on HIGH for an additional 4 minutes.
8
After 4 minutes, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top of the stuffed zucchini. Microwave uncovered for another 3-4 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the filling reads 160°F.
9
Serve immediately with heated marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
20g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Beef-Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
They are tender zucchini shells filled with a mixture of lean ground beef, sweet onion, and Monterey Jack cheese, topped with marinara sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
This quick dinner can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
Yes, it is tagged as a low carb dish, containing 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many calories are in one serving of the zucchini boats?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 26g of protein in each serving.
Do I need an oven to cook this recipe?
No, this recipe is designed for the microwave and stovetop.
How do I prepare the zucchini shells?
Wash and cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, slice a thin piece off the bottom so they sit flat, and scoop out the pulp.
Why should I slice a thin piece off the bottom of the zucchini?
Slicing a thin piece off the bottom ensures the zucchini boats are stable and sit flat in the dish.
How long should I microwave the empty zucchini shells?
Microwave the shells on HIGH for 3 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.
What should I do after microwaving the empty shells?
Carefully drain any excess moisture from the dish and set the shells aside.
How do I cook the beef filling?
Cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned.
Why is an egg included in the ingredients?
A beaten egg is used to bind the beef, onion, cheese, and bread crumbs together in the filling.
Which cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided into two parts.
How much marinara sauce is needed?
You need 3/4 cup for the beef mixture and an additional 1 cup for serving.
What is the purpose of the seasoned bread crumbs?
Bread crumbs are used as a binding agent to help the beef mixture hold its shape.
How much filling goes into each zucchini boat?
Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into each prepared shell.
How long do the stuffed zucchini boats microwave for the first time?
Once stuffed, microwave them covered on HIGH for 4 minutes.
When do I add the remaining cheese?
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top after the first 4 minutes of microwaving the stuffed boats.
What is the final microwave cooking time?
Microwave uncovered for an additional 3-4 minutes after adding the final layer of cheese.
What is the target internal temperature for the filling?
A thermometer inserted into the filling should read 160 degrees F.
How should I serve the zucchini boats?
Serve them immediately with heated marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
What size dish is required for the microwave?
A 13x9-inch microwave-safe dish is recommended.
Does the microwave dish need to be greased?
No, the dish should be left ungreased.
What type of onion works best?
The recipe specifically recommends 1/2 cup of chopped sweet onion.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 17g of fat per serving.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lean alternative.
What should I cover the dish with while microwaving?
Use a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
What can I do with the scooped-out zucchini pulp?
While not used in this recipe, the pulp can be saved and added to other dishes like vegetable broth or stir-fries.