Zucchini Boats with Meat Sauce
Tender zucchini halves hollowed out and filled with a rich, seasoned meat sauce, then baked with melted cheese on top. A flavorful and satisfying low-carb meal for two.
Prepare the zucchini
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry the 2 medium zucchini. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the pulp from the center of each zucchini half, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the skin to form 'boats.' Chop the scooped-out zucchini pulp finely and set it aside. Lightly sprinkle the inside of the zucchini boats with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/16 teaspoon black pepper.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Scooping carefully prevents breaking the zucchini boat sides.
- •Seasoning the zucchini helps flavor the entire dish.
Make the meat sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the finely chopped 1/2 onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells pleasant (fragrant). Add the chopped zucchini pulp, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/16 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer (cook gently just below boiling, with small bubbles). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Fragrant means it smells good and aromatic.
- •Simmer means to cook gently just below boiling, with small bubbles.
Fill and bake the zucchini boats
Arrange the hollowed zucchini boats on a baking sheet. Spoon the hot meat sauce evenly into each zucchini boat, filling them generously. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the filling in each boat.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Placing on a baking sheet makes it easier to move the boats to and from the oven.
- •Filling generously ensures a satisfying portion.
Bake and serve
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Remove from the oven. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Baking until zucchini is tender ensures it is pleasant to eat.
- •Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Spoon (for hollowing zucchini)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- 💡For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- 💡If you want to make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- 💡You can add other finely diced vegetables to the meat sauce, such as carrots or bell peppers, for more nutrition.
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