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Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats (Healthy and Delicious)

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Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats are a healthy, low-carb dinner option. With lean ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and a cheesy topping, they offer a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed dishes.

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped out to create “boats.”

1 pound ground beef (lean ground beef works best, but any variety will do)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup tomato sauce

1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan work well)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the beef and onions)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs for extra flavor)

½ teaspoon paprika (adds a subtle smokiness)

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers with a spoon, creating little ‘boats.’ Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, mixing until the beef is well coated. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  4. Arrange the zucchini halves on a baking sheet. Spoon the ground beef mixture into the scooped-out zucchini boats, filling them generously.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each filled zucchini boat.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional seasonings if desired.

Notes

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.

For added nutrition, mix in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the beef mixture.

Feel free to use a variety of cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan.

To prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy, you can pre-bake the zucchini halves for 5-10 minutes before filling them.

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or diced jalapeños to the beef filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/easy-ground-beef-zucchini-boats-healthy-and-delicious/