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Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (35-Minutes)

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Whip up these Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats in just 35 minutes! Hearty lean beef and fresh zucchini combine for a flavorful, healthy meal. Full instructions & nutrition details available.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (e.g., 80/20)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully halve each zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border. Dice the scooped-out zucchini flesh (about 1/2 cup) and set aside. Season the zucchini boats lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and diced zucchini flesh to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the hollowed zucchini halves in a baking dish. Spoon the ground beef filling evenly into each zucchini boat. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each zucchini boat. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Leftover zucchini boats keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making for a delightful lunch or quick dinner later.
  • To bring your boats back to life, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is re-bubbled; a microwave works too, but the oven helps keep that lovely texture.
  • These hearty boats are a complete meal on their own, but if you're feeling fancy, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread makes for a perfect companion.
  • To deepen the flavor of your filling, add a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the marinara sauce in Step 3 – it really perks up the beef!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://snackioo.com/easy-ground-beef-zucchini-boats-35-minutes/