Description
Zucchini halves hollowed out and filled with a savory Italian-style mixture of ground meat, herbs, tomatoes, and cheese, then baked until tender. A delicious and healthy low-carb meal.
Ingredients
- 4 small zucchinis
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the inner flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Chop the scooped zucchini flesh and set aside.
- Place the hollowed zucchini boats in the prepared baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and onion; cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh, diced tomatoes, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Divide the filling evenly among the zucchini boats. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage or beef.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the meat and add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or rice to the filling mixture.
- The zucchini boats can be prepared up to the baking step a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 zucchini boats
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg