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Zucchini Boats With Ground Beef (Italian Style!)

Hearty Italian-style zucchini boats filled with seasoned ground beef and melted mozzarella.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 medium zucchini about 8 inches long; works for 6–7 fresh zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 cloves
  • 1/4 medium sweet onion diced small
  • 2 cups marinara sauce or your favorite red tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray two 9 x 13-inch baking pans generously with oil.
  • Trim the ends and cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh to form shells, then arrange the halves in the prepared baking pans, cut-side up.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no pink remains, about 3–5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Add the minced garlic and diced sweet onion to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce is absorbed and thickened.
  • Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the prepared zucchini shells.
  • Top each stuffed zucchini with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven 20–25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is fully melted.
  • Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Equipment

  • Baking pans (two 9 x 13)
  • Large Skillet
  • Spoon for scooping
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Notes

  • Use medium zucchini, about 8 inches long, for best fit.
  • Drain excess fat from the cooked beef for a less greasy filling.
  • You can substitute your favorite marinara sauce.
  • Arrange zucchini halves tightly to prevent them from tipping in the pan.