How to Make Italian-Style Zucchini Boats - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian-style Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the abundance of zucchini that comes with the summer season. This recipe takes the humble zucchini and turns it into a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.

These zucchini boats are filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, and then baked to perfection. The zucchini itself becomes tender and slightly caramelized, while the filli...

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Ingredients

  • 1 drizzle olive oil
  • 1 extra large zucchini, quartered lengthwise, seeds scooped out
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons dried basil
  • 3 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 4 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, or to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Drizzle olive oil on zucchini and season with salt and pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until zucchini is fork-tender, 30 to 45 minutes.
  • While zucchini is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef with onion and garlic until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic salt.
  • Combine tomato paste with water in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly. Drain fat from beef mixture if needed. Add tomato paste mixture and heat through. Turn off heat, add fresh basil leaves, and mix until well blended.
  • Remove zucchini from the oven; leave the oven on. Scoop meat mixture generously into each zucchini quarter and sprinkle each with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    617 cal.

    • Total Fat: 35g
    • Saturated Fat: 15g
    • Cholesterol: 158mg
    • Sodium: 2555mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 25g
    • Dietary Fiber: 7g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
    • Protein: 52g
    • Vitamin C: 46mg
    • Calcium: 403mg
    • Iron: 9mg
    • Potassium: 1581mg