Description
Discover a delicious recipe for Ground Beef and Zucchini Boats that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Learn how to create this savory dish today!
Ingredients
- – 6 small-medium zucchini (about 900g)
- – 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- – 1 onion finely diced
- – 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
- – 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30 ml)
- – 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh basil (optional)
- – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried Italian herbs (or dried oregano)
- – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) garlic powder (or 2 cloves freshly minced)
- – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt or more to taste
- – pepper to taste
- – 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce (425 g)
- – 1.5 cups shredded cheese (170 g) – I used mozzarella; cheddar or Gouda work, too
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini by thoroughly washing them. Cut each one lengthwise down the middle and use a small spoon to remove the insides, setting the flesh aside for later. Arrange the zucchini shells on a baking tray.
- In a large pan, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft. Incorporate the ground beef and cook until it turns a rich brown. Mix in the tomato paste, freshly chopped basil (if using), dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- To finish the filling, add the tomato sauce and the reserved zucchini flesh to the pan. You can chop the zucchini flesh for a more uniform texture if you like. Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Afterward, take off the lid, stir thoroughly, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 360°F. Fill each zucchini boat with the prepared mixture. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is bubbly.
Notes
- Consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option in the filling.
- Mix in bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition in the filling.
- Try Parmesan or feta cheese for a unique twist on the dish.
