When zucchini season hits, so does the challenge of figuring out what to do with it. Ground beef zucchini boats are a delicious, tried-and-true way to put all that fresh produce to work. Tender zucchini is filled with savory ground beef, tomato sauce, herbs, and plenty of melted cheese for a satisfying dinner the whole family can dig into. You can pair these zucchini boats with a green salad to keep it light, but we recommend serving them with pasta or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up any extra sauce.
How Do You Make Ground Beef Zucchini Boats?
To make ground beef zucchini boats, cut zucchini in half lengthwise, scoop out the center, and fill each half with cooked ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Top the stuffed zucchini with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake until the zucchini is tender and the cheese has melted and browned.
The Butcher Shop’s Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 pound fresh ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce, plus additional sauce for serving if desired
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil, optional
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
2. Prep the Zucchini
Wash the zucchini and cut each one in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the centers, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh around the bottom and sides. Arrange the zucchini halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. Chop about 1 cup of the zucchini you removed from the centers and set it aside for the filling.
3. Make the Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and chopped zucchini. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the ground beef. Break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir until it coats the beef mixture evenly. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Stuff the Zucchini Boats
Divide the ground beef filling evenly among the zucchini halves. Pack the filling generously into each boat. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the stuffed zucchini.
5. Bake and Serve
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the zucchini reaches your preferred tenderness and the cheese melts. For a more golden cheese topping, place the zucchini under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Butcher’s Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the zucchini: If you bake it until it’s completely soft, the boats become watery and difficult to serve.
- Choose your zucchini carefully: Small zucchini won’t hold much filling, and large ones have more seeds and moisture. Look for medium zucchini that feel firm and have relatively straight sides.
- Make a taco twist: Swap the Italian seasoning and marinara for taco seasoning and salsa, topped with a Mexican-style cheese blend.
Looking for More Veggie-Forward Recipes?
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed Pumpkin
Put Ground Beef Zucchini Boats on Your Family’s Table with The Butcher Shop
Some weeknight recipes make you choose between something easy and something everyone actually wants to eat. This recipe delivers both. We recommend starting with fresh ground beef that has enough fat to deliver plenty of flavor, like our 85% burger at The Butcher Shop. It’s sourced from local farms here in Southern Oregon and ground in-house for a freshness you can taste.
You’ll also find farm-fresh produce, freshly baked bread, and everything else you need to put a quality meal on your family’s table, all without breaking your budget. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to cook zucchini before making zucchini boats?
No. Fill the raw zucchini halves and bake them with the ground beef mixture. Baking the assembled zucchini boats at 400°F allows the zucchini to become tender while still holding its shape.
How do you keep ground beef zucchini boats from getting watery?
Avoid overbaking the zucchini, and drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef before adding the marinara sauce. We also recommend using a thicker marinara sauce so the filling stays hearty instead of becoming too wet.
Can you make ground beef zucchini boats in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the ground beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it in a covered container. You can also assemble the zucchini boats several hours before baking. Refrigerated zucchini boats may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
What should you serve with ground beef zucchini boats?
Ground beef zucchini boats pair well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, garlic bread, or roasted potatoes. For a lighter dinner, serve the zucchini boats with a simple salad or seasonal vegetables.
Can you freeze ground beef zucchini boats?
You can freeze cooked zucchini boats, but the zucchini may soften after thawing because it contains a lot of moisture. For the best texture, we recommend freezing the cooked ground beef filling separately and using fresh zucchini when you’re ready to serve the meal.
How do you know when stuffed zucchini boats are done?
The zucchini should feel tender when pierced with a fork but still hold its shape. The filling should be hot throughout, and the mozzarella and Parmesan should be fully melted. You can broil the boats briefly at the end for a golden cheese topping.